Florida pizza driver accused of stabbing pregnant customer because she wasn't happy with the tip

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (TCN) -- Authorities arrested a 22-year-old pizza delivery driver who allegedly stabbed a customer multiple times because she was unhappy with the tip.

On Dec. 22, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office responded to a possible home invasion and stabbing at the Riviera Motel on East Irlo Branson Memorial Highway. Deputies located a victim, identified in court records as Melinda Irizarry, with multiple stab wounds, and she was transported to a hospital. The sheriff's office said she is in stable condition, but she reportedly required surgery for a ruptured lung.

According to the arrest warrant, Irizarry went to the motel with her 5-year-old daughter and her boyfriend for a birthday celebration. Detectives reportedly learned the victim ordered pizza from Marcos Pizza Shop earlier in the evening. Brianna Alvelo allegedly delivered the pizza, and the total cost was $33.10. Per the arrest warrant, Irizarry handed Alvelo $50 for the food but asked for change. Alvelo reportedly said she doesn't provide change, so Irizarry asked for the money back and went to look for smaller bills because she "did not want to leave such a large tip."

Later in the night, while Irizarry, her boyfriend, and her 5-year-old daughter were asleep, she heard a loud knocking on the door and answered it. According to the arrest warrant, Irizarry told authorities an unknown man was at the door, as well as a woman, both in face masks, and they forced themselves in. The man allegedly pointed a gun at Irizarry and her daughter and then forced the victim's boyfriend into the bathroom, threatening him with the weapon.

While the boyfriend was in the bathroom, Irizarry reportedly told authorities the masked female, later identified as Alvelo, went through their belongings and began breaking some items. Alvelo dumped out belongings from Irizarry's purse and then allegedly broke her daughter's Nintendo Switch. Investigators allege Alvelo then attacked Irizarry with a knife, stabbing her multiple times. According to the arrest warrant, Irizarry had been stabbed 14 times and "had just found out from the hospital that she was a few weeks pregnant."

Authorities arrested Alvelo on Dec. 23 on charges of home invasion with a firearm, attempted murder, kidnapping, and aggravated assault violations. She was booked into the Osceola County Jail without bond.

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