Missouri man convicted of shooting Amazon delivery driver in dispute over disabled parking spot

A Missouri man has been found guilty of shooting an Amazon delivery driver during a dispute over a disabled parking spot in St. Louis County.

A jury convicted Daniel A. Collins of first-degree assault, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm in the shooting of the driver on Feb. 15, 2019.

The incident began when Collins became enraged after the driver parked in a handicapped parking space outside a Walmart store in St. Louis County. Collins, who had a disabled person parking placard, confronted the driver and later pulled out a gun and fired several shots.

The driver, who was not identified, was struck by one of the bullets and suffered a non-life-threatening injury. Collins fled the scene but was later arrested by police.

The prosecution argued that Collins’ actions were not justifiable because he had no evidence that the driver was using the spot illegally. The defense argued that the driver had no right to use the space and that Collins was acting in self-defense.

The jury rejected the self-defense argument and found Collins guilty on all counts. He faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced.

The case has sparked debate over the right to use disabled parking spaces, as well as the role of gun ownership in such disputes. The verdict sends a strong message that violence will not be tolerated in the protection of parking spots.