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Delivery driver in Amazon vest charged after violent rampage in Woodhaven, prosecutors say
By
Charles Lane
Published Apr 29, 2026
Modified Apr 29, 2026
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By
Charles Lane
Published Apr 29, 2026
Modified Apr 29, 2026
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A driver delivering packages for Amazon is accused of going on a violent rampage in Woodhaven, Queens, last weekend, ramming his van into a car full of women and assaulting four men, including three seniors, before being arrested, prosecutors said.
Dauri Batita, 32, of Brooklyn, was arraigned Tuesday on a criminal complaint charging him with multiple counts including attempted robbery, assault, reckless endangerment and leaving the scene of an incident, according to the Queens district attorney’s office.
“This defendant’s actions turned a peaceful neighborhood near Forest Park into a crime scene that spanned multiple city blocks,” Queens DA Melinda Katz said in a statement.
Batita pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail. He is due back in court May 19. His attorney did not respond to calls seeking comment.
According to the criminal complaint, the incidents began around 4:08 p.m. on April 26 near Park Lane South and Forest Parkway, outside Forest Park. Batita, who was wearing a blue delivery vest and driving a white 2024 Ram van filled with Amazon packages, allegedly approached a 2015 Nissan carrying four women and cracked the windshield with an unknown object.
He then got into the van and rammed the Nissan, prosecutors said. The driver pulled away, and Batita allegedly followed at high speed. Three of the women reported neck, back and knee pain, according to the DA’s office.
Minutes later, Batita allegedly drove the wrong way down a one-way street near 87th Street and 85th Road, got out and punched a 66-year-old man several times in the face, loosening his teeth and causing bleeding, according to the complaint.
At the same intersection, prosecutors say Batita approached a 33-year-old man and said, "I'm going to take your chain," before punching him several times and pulling at his necklace in an apparent robbery attempt.
He then allegedly punched a 72-year-old bystander in the head, knocking him to the ground.
Batita then drove into another vehicle, a 2023 Nissan driven by a 75-year-old man, prosecutors said. He allegedly opened the passenger door, punched the driver in the face and threatened to steal the car. The driver’s son held Batita at the scene until police arrived.
Two of the victims were taken to a hospital for treatment.
An Amazon spokesperson said Batita worked for a third-party delivery service and was fired.
This story has been updated with comment from Amazon.
Tagged
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queens
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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