A fatal confrontation unfolded outside a Riviera Beach FedEx facility after a driver was followed from Florida’s Turnpike and shot multiple times, authorities said.
RIVIERA BEACH, FL – A FedEx driver was shot and killed Thursday evening outside a distribution center after a man allegedly followed his truck from the highway, confronted him in a restricted parking lot, and fired multiple rounds, according to a probable cause affidavit. The victim, identified as Nathaniel Padgett, was struck seven times and later died at a hospital, police said.
Tyler Brandon Vidro, 24, is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated stalking in connection with the shooting at 1177 West Blue Heron Blvd. Investigators say the encounter began on Florida’s Turnpike, where Vidro allegedly pulled alongside Padgett’s truck, “lowered his window and began shrugging his shoulders and raising his hand up, in an attempt to provoke a confrontation.”
Confrontation captured on surveillance
Padgett did not engage and continued driving to the FedEx hub, where Vidro allegedly followed him into a private, restricted lot. According to the affidavit, Padgett parked, briefly went inside, then returned to his personal vehicle when Vidro approached and accused him of a collision, saying “you hit my car,” as seen on surveillance video.
Padgett denied the claim and attempted to disengage, telling Vidro, “What the f— are you gonna do, get the f— out of my face.” Police say Padgett then drove to another area of the lot with Vidro in pursuit. On a nearby private road, Padgett exited his vehicle holding a cinder block and told Vidro, “Wuz up, I don’t give a f— about that, you following me, I did not throw s— at your car.”
Investigators say Vidro then opened fire, discharging nine rounds and striking Padgett multiple times.
911 call and suspect’s statement
Padgett’s girlfriend, who was present during the incident, called 911 as the shooting unfolded. “My boyfriend just got shot! We’re at the FedEx warehouse!” she said, according to audio obtained by WPBF. As she relayed information, Padgett told her, “I’m going to die, baby.” She responded, “No, you’re not! You’re not! Come on! You’re not!”
Padgett was transported to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Shortly after the shooting, Vidro contacted law enforcement. “I didn’t think to call you guys, but the lawyer told me to,” he allegedly said, confirming his involvement and claiming self-defense. He told officers he “emptied the magazine” before requesting an attorney.
Police rejected a potential “Stand Your Ground” defense, stating the law applies only when a person “is in a place they have a lawful right to be.” Investigators said the FedEx facility is a restricted property and that Vidro had no legal right to be there, while Padgett “had full legal standing” and “no duty to retreat.”
Detectives also cited a pattern of behavior leading up to the shooting. “The pattern of behavior documented in this investigation — including Vidro tracking Padgett and [his girlfriend] across multiple locations, appearing uninvited at a restricted private property, and repeatedly closing distance despite Padgett’s attempts to withdraw — is consistent with the elements of aggravated stalking,” investigators wrote. “Florida law does not extend Stand Your Ground protections to a person engaged in criminal activity at the time force is used.”
Vidro was arrested and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail, where he is being held without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 18.
A GoFundMe organized by Padgett’s family described him as a “loving father, husband and devoted family man,” adding, “He was a true go-getter who cared deeply about those around him. Above all, he was an incredible father to his three children Niya, Ty’Darrius, and Ava who meant everything to him.”
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