Quick-Thinking FedEx Driver Prevents Potential Accident at Clinton Soup Kitchen
April 13, 2026
What could have been a serious accident turned into a moment of gratitude last week thanks to the swift actions of a FedEx driver passing by the soup kitchen operated by Open Door Ministries in Clinton.
According to Charles Brewington, Director of Open Door Ministries, it was the organization’s exterior surveillance footage that first alerted him to the dramatic incident that had unfolded outside the soup kitchen.
After reviewing the video, Brewington said he was deeply moved by the actions of the FedEx driver, who stopped without hesitation to prevent a runaway truck from crashing into the nearby Jacobs Press Apartments building. Determined to identify and thank the driver, Brewington turned to social media in hopes the community could help track him down.
The driver was later identified as Darrius Ladson, a FedEx driver working his route in Clinton.
Watch the incident unfold in the video below, captured from Ladson’s truck camera and provided to The Buzz by his supervisor at FedEx.
The woman Ladson helped has been identified as Alberta Cox, who is currently recovering from knee surgery. According to Brewington, Cox had just left the soup kitchen and gotten into her truck when something appeared to go wrong with the vehicle. She briefly stepped out, then got back in and put the truck into gear. The vehicle then began moving forward uncontrollably toward a nearby bus and in the direction of the Jacobs Press apartment building.
From left to right: Darrius Ladson, Alberta Cox, and Charles Brewington
During the incident, Cox fell from the truck on the far side of the bus—out of view of the soup kitchen’s surveillance camera.
At that critical moment, Ladson, who was driving by, recognized the danger. Without hesitation, he jumped out of his FedEx truck and ran after the moving vehicle, stopping it just before it crashed into the building.
“It was all caught on our camera outside the soup kitchen,” said Brewington. “The FedEx driver pulled over, jumped out, and ran that truck down right before it hit the building. It was a real heroic act, and we wanted to thank him.”
Brewington said Cox was extremely appreciative of Ladson’s quick response and personally returned on Monday to thank him for stepping in during the frightening incident.
The video featured in this article was provided from Ladson’s truck camera with permission from his supervisor, who shared that FedEx is proud of the employee’s actions.
“We are incredibly proud of Darrius for his quick thinking and selfless actions,” his supervisor said. “His willingness to step in without hesitation reflects the character and commitment we value in our team members,” said Harry Strandell.
Thanks to Ladson’s quick thinking and courageous response, what could have resulted in significant property damage—or worse—was avoided.
In a community built on looking out for one another, his actions stand as a powerful reminder that ordinary people can step up in extraordinary ways when it matters most.
