Lubbock Man Robs Uber Eats Driver Over Sprite

LUBBOCK, TX — A Lubbock man was arrested for robbery after allegedly threatening an Uber Eats driver with a gun and stealing his cash for forgetting a Sprite drink order during a delivery on November 8.

According to court documents, officers responded to a robbery call near E. 4th Street and Walnut Avenue. The victim, Y. Acevedo, an Uber Eats driver, reported that he was delivering food to a house at 2200 E. Main Street. When he arrived, a man left the residence at 2221 E. Main Street, walked over to the driver's car, and angrily demanded a missing medium Sprite from the order.

As Acevedo tried to explain the situation, the suspect, later identified as Gabriel Gutierrez, 28,  approached Acevedo’s vehicle and pointed a black handgun for “not remembering his drink.” Acevedo reportedly feared for his life and opened his wallet. The suspect quickly grabbed a $20 bill from his wallet and fled.

Acevedo described the suspect to authorities as a Hispanic male wearing tan shorts and a black shirt, with curly hair and tattoos on his arm. 

Court reports state officers later conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle leaving the residence at 2225 E. Main Street, where they made contact with Brighton. Brightmon confirmed seeing a Hispanic male exit 2221 E. Main Street show what seemed to be a handgun and point it at the Uber Eats driver.

Officers then went back to 2221 E. Main Street and happened to make contact with Gutierrez. He was wearing the same clothing described by the victim and had similar tattoos. After being Mirandized, Gutierrez initially denied the incident but later admitted pointing the firearm because he was angry over the missing Sprite.

A search of Gutierrez's residence found the Burger King bags in the trash and a receipt matching the time of the delivery, including a medium Sprite on the receipt. Officers also located a black firearm in Gutierrez’s bedroom closet, which matched the description given by Acevedo.

Gutierrez was arrested and transported to the Lubbock County Detention Center, where he was booked on charges of aggravated robbery. During the booking process, officers found out Gutierrez also had outstanding warrants.

Gutierrez is currently charged with aggravated robbery and is on an $80,000 bond.