Domino’s employee accused of using vehicle as weapon after argument over tip

A Domino’s delivery driver in the U.S. state of Missouri has been arrested after allegedly striking a customer with his vehicle following a dispute over a missing tip, according to police.

Authorities identified the suspect as Zachary Nicholus Walton, 36, who was booked into the Callaway County Jail without bond on charges including first-degree assault, armed criminal action, and leaving the scene of an accident involving physical injury.

The incident occurred on April 29 at approximately 7:21 p.m. in Fulton, Missouri, when officers from the Fulton Police Department responded to reports of an injury-related accident at a private residence.

According to a probable cause statement, a verbal altercation broke out between Walton and a customer after a delivery, reportedly over the absence of a tip. 

Witnesses alleged that Walton became “upset” during the exchange and initiated the confrontation by shouting profanities.

Investigators say video footage from the scene shows Walton approaching the situation aggressively before getting into his vehicle. 

He was allegedly heard making hostile remarks, including asking the victim what he would do and using offensive language.

Authorities allege that Walton then maneuvered his vehicle toward the victim and accelerated forward, striking him. 

The victim reportedly suffered visible injuries to his hand and minor scrapes, and said he experienced pain following the impact. He also told officers he jumped onto the hood of the vehicle to avoid further injury.

Police further stated that Walton fled the scene at high speed after the incident. Officers later located him at the Domino’s store where he worked, where he allegedly admitted to driving toward the victim in an attempt to “scare him” and acknowledged leaving the scene.

Investigators noted that Walton has a prior criminal record, including convictions for domestic assault and false imprisonment.

In the charging documents, authorities described Walton’s actions as a serious public safety concern, alleging he used a vehicle as a weapon during a dispute and then failed to contact law enforcement after the incident.

Walton appeared in court via video on May 1 without legal representation. His next court hearing is scheduled for May 6.