LAKE CITY, FL – A peculiar altercation involving a 67-year-old bicyclist has led to allegations of kidnapping and assault against a pharmacy delivery driver. The incident unfolded last Thursday in the small town of Lake City, approximately 60 miles west of Jacksonville.
Danny Keith Phelps was charged with kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, and witness tampering following an unusual sequence of events. The encounter began when Phelps, claiming his bicycle was struck by a car at a traffic light, set off a bizarre chain of events that quickly escalated.
According to the Lake City Police, the delivery driver was exiting the pharmacy when she and Phelps gestured for each other to proceed. A slight bump occurred as Phelps rode into the path of her vehicle. Concerned for his wellbeing, the driver got out to check on Phelps’ condition.
When the driver attempted to call for assistance, Phelps allegedly knocked the phone from her hand, threatening her in the process. He then reportedly withdrew an item from his pocket and demanded a ride. Fearing for her safety, the woman complied with his demands.
Phelps allegedly entered the car, placed a pocketknife on his lap, and instructed her to drive him to a designated location. After reaching the spot, Phelps disembarked with his bicycle, and the driver immediately returned to report the ordeal.
Compounding the situation, Phelps later telephoned the pharmacy to claim damage to his bike by one of their vehicles, demanding compensation. This interaction offered investigators a crucial lead, though Phelps initially evaded contact.
Phelps eventually reached out to the Lake City Police, alleging that he had been struck by a vehicle while cycling and expressing a need for a ride due to his damaged bicycle tire. He claimed the driver had eventually agreed to his request.
Further complicating matters, authorities noted that Phelps allegedly suggested he wanted to start a relationship with the woman involved as reparation. His repeated phone calls to the pharmacy when his offer was declined led to further scrutiny.
Phelps is currently detained in the Columbia County Detention Center with a bond set at $150,000, as the investigation into this unusual series of events proceeds.