A routine pizza delivery turned into a violent attack in Kissimmee, Florida, when a disgruntled delivery driver allegedly stabbed a pregnant woman 14 times over a perceived insufficient tip. The shocking incident, which took place at the Riviera Motel on December 22, has left the victim hospitalized in stable condition.
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office identified the victim as 37-year-old Melinda Irizarry. She was staying at the motel with her boyfriend and five-year-old daughter when she ordered a $33.10 meal from Marco's Pizza. According to an affidavit obtained by ABC News, Irizarry handed the delivery driver, 22-year-old Brianna Alvelo, a $50 bill and requested change. When informed it was store policy not to provide change, Irizarry found smaller bills and tipped Alvelo $2.
Irizarry told deputies that Alvelo "rolled her eyes and walked away without saying anything." Hours later, Alvelo reportedly returned to the motel room, accompanied by an unidentified man armed with a firearm. Both suspects were dressed in black and wearing masks, police said.
According to the affidavit, the pair forced their way into the room. The male suspect reportedly ordered Irizarry's boyfriend into the bathroom while Alvelo brandished a knife and began rifling through the family's belongings.
Irizarry attempted to shield her daughter from the violence, at which point Alvelo allegedly struck her in the lower back with the knife. Irizarry then placed her daughter on the bed and tried to retrieve her phone, but Alvelo reportedly smashed the device and continued the attack. Irizarry suffered stab wounds to her chest, arms, legs, and abdomen, along with a ruptured lung, requiring emergency surgery.
The assailants fled the scene, taking unspecified items from the motel room. Irizarry was rushed to a local hospital, where medical staff informed her that she was pregnant. She remains in stable condition.
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office arrested Alvelo on charges of home invasion with a firearm, attempted murder, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. She is being held at the Osceola County Jail. The unidentified male accomplice remains at large, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crimeline at (800) 423-8477.
