A pizza delivery in Missouri allegedly spiraled into a shocking act of violence after a driver became furious over not receiving a tip — and is now accused of using his car to hit a customer before speeding off.
Police say 35-year-old Zachary Nicholos Walton was arrested and charged with first-degree assault, armed criminal action, and leaving the scene of an accident following the disturbing incident in Fulton.
According to investigators, officers were called to a home on Bluff Street shortly after 7:20 p.m. after a report that a delivery driver had struck someone with a vehicle and fled.
When first responders arrived, they spoke with the victim and a witness, who said the confrontation started over something surprisingly small — a missing tip.
Authorities say Walton became upset and began yelling profanities, escalating into a heated argument. Surveillance footage from the home allegedly shows him shouting insults, calling the victim and witness “rude,” and taunting them before walking back to his vehicle.
The situation quickly turned dangerous.
Police say Walton got into his car, reversed toward the street, then shifted into drive and accelerated directly toward the victim, who was walking up the driveway. Investigators noted the victim was not blocking the vehicle at the time.
The impact reportedly threw the victim onto the hood of another car. He suffered injuries to his hand along with scrapes to his leg, though he was able to avoid even more serious harm.
After hitting the victim, Walton allegedly sped off without stopping to check on him or contact authorities.
Officers later tracked him down at a local Domino’s location, where he admitted to driving toward the victim. According to police, he claimed he only meant to scare him — but also acknowledged leaving the scene.
Investigators say Walton has a prior criminal history in Callaway County, including convictions for domestic assault and false imprisonment.
Authorities believe his actions show a serious danger to the public, especially given that a vehicle was used during the altercation.
Walton is now being held in the Callaway County Jail without bond as the case moves forward. It’s not yet clear when he will appear in court next.