MARTINEZ, GA — A DoorDash driver who shot a man outside a Martinez shopping center acted in self-defense during an alleged attempt to take his vehicle and firearm, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Tyler J. Reese, 26, faces no charge at this stage in the October 8 shooting. Investigators said the wounded man, Benjamin Robert Dasher, 29, would face a charge of criminal attempt to hijack a motor vehicle after leaving the hospital. The investigation remains open.
The confrontation began at about 5:35 p.m. in the 3800 block of Washington Road, where Reese had parked to collect a delivery order, according to the sheriff’s account reported by WJBF. Deputies said Dasher approached Reese, made a demand and shoved him when he refused.
Reese pushed Dasher away and went inside a restaurant to pick up the order. Witnesses also described Dasher acting aggressively toward other people near the market.
When Reese returned to his vehicle, Dasher approached again, threatened to take it and opened the front passenger door, investigators said. Reese, seated behind the wheel, displayed a firearm and said he wanted no further trouble.
According to deputies, Dasher then threatened to take the gun, moved around to the driver’s side and lunged through the open door. Reese fired three times, striking him in the arm and abdomen.
Reese stayed at the scene and identified himself as the shooter. No bystanders were injured, authorities said.
The sheriff’s office cited surveillance footage, witness statements and physical evidence in its preliminary self-defense assessment. The video reportedly has no audio.
In the October 9 update, Dasher remained in intensive care, but his physician expected him to survive barring complications. Investigators planned to interview him when his condition allowed.
Timeline
Legal and safety breakdown
Georgia Code Section 16-3-21(a) permits force when a person reasonably believes it is necessary to defend against another person’s imminent unlawful force. Deadly force is subject to a higher threshold: a reasonable belief that it is needed to prevent death, great bodily injury or a forcible felony, along with the statute’s other limits.
Section 16-3-24.2 provides immunity from prosecution for force used in accordance with specified justification statutes, with an exception concerning unlawful weapon possession.
The sheriff’s office has described its assessment of this shooting as preliminary. Investigators were still gathering evidence, including a planned interview with Dasher, when the update was issued.
Safety Tip: Delivery drivers should stay inside a locked vehicle when a stranger becomes aggressive, create distance if possible, call 911 early, and avoid reopening doors or windows once a confrontation begins.
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