by Wixom, Michigan — A 75-year-old military veteran is fighting for his life after his family says he was punched by a DoorDash driver during a confrontation over speeding in a quiet residential neighborhood. The alleged attack left the elderly man with severe brain injuries and in a coma, according to police and family members.
The incident has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about road rage, delivery driver safety, and accountability.
Confrontation began over speeding, family says
According to the victim’s daughter, Jen Shaw, her father, Lloyd Poole, walked out of his driveway on December 28 to confront a delivery driver he believed was driving too fast through their Wixom neighborhood.
The driver was later identified by Wixom Police Department as Ryan Turner, 40, a DoorDash delivery driver at the time of the incident.
Shaw told a local outlet that the situation escalated almost immediately.
“Punched him right in the side of the head,” Shaw said. “My dad fell, never got up, never moved, and the DoorDash driver got back in his vehicle and drove away.”
Victim suffers catastrophic brain injuries
Following the alleged assault, Poole was rushed to the hospital with a black eye and severe head trauma. According to his daughter, doctors performed emergency brain surgery, removing part of his skull to relieve swelling.
Days later, Poole remains in a coma.
“He’s not responding. He can’t talk. He’s not awake,” Shaw said. “We don’t know when he’s going to get out of this hospital bed. That may never happen.”
Family members have been keeping a constant bedside vigil as they wait for signs of improvement.
Police describe possible road rage incident
Police said officers were called to the area of Barberry Circle and Windingway Drive around 5:21 p.m. on December 28 for a report of a man lying unconscious in the roadway, according to information shared with CBS News.
An initial investigation suggested Poole may have been involved in a road rage-related incident.
According to police, Turner later went to the police station voluntarily and admitted he had been confronted by Poole about speeding. Turner allegedly told investigators that he felt threatened and punched Poole, causing him to fall and strike his head on the pavement.
Police also said Turner admitted he drove away after the incident.
Suspect arrested, charged with aggravated assault
Turner was arrested and booked into the Oakland County Jail, according to jail records.
He was charged with one count of aggravated assault and later posted a $35,000 bond on January 1. Court proceedings are expected to continue as the investigation moves forward.
DoorDash removes driver from platform
In a statement to CBS News, DoorDash condemned the incident and confirmed the driver is no longer allowed to work on its platform.
“What occurred was absolutely appalling and unacceptable,” a DoorDash spokesperson said. “DoorDash has zero tolerance for violence, and we have permanently removed the individual’s access to the platform.”
The company added that it is cooperating with law enforcement to support the investigation.
Family waits and hopes for recovery
Shaw said the family is struggling to cope with the uncertainty surrounding Poole’s condition, noting that brain injuries are unpredictable.
“You just don’t know with the brain,” she said. “So we’re very concerned. We’re really worried.”
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Poole, a veteran described by relatives as calm and community-minded, had simply stepped outside his home to voice a concern — a moment that has now left his family facing an uncertain future.
Case highlights dangers of everyday confrontations
The incident underscores how quickly ordinary neighborhood encounters can turn violent, particularly when vehicles and heightened emotions are involved. Police continue to investigate as Poole remains hospitalized.
Should delivery companies and cities do more to address speeding and safety in residential neighborhoods? Share your thoughts or messages of support in the comments as this case continues to develop.
