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Insets, top to bottom: Nathaniel Padgett (GoFundMe) and Tyler Vidro (Palm Beach County Jail). Background: The FedEx distribution hub in Riviera Beach, Florida, where Vidro allegedly shot Padgett dead (WPBF).
In a tragic incident in Florida, a FedEx driver was fatally shot in front of his girlfriend after being pursued by an individual who allegedly followed him to a distribution center and emptied his gun, according to local authorities.
The suspect, 24-year-old Tyler Brandon Vidro, now faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated stalking in connection with the death of Nathaniel Padgett. The incident occurred at the FedEx distribution center located in Riviera Beach.
According to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by Law&Crime, the confrontation began on Thursday evening. Police reports indicate that Padgett was driving a FedEx truck along Florida’s Turnpike, accompanied by his girlfriend. During their journey, Vidro allegedly pulled up alongside them, gesturing provocatively in an apparent attempt to incite a confrontation.
Ignoring Vidro’s provocation, Padgett continued driving to the FedEx facility at 1177 West Blue Heron Blvd. However, Vidro reportedly followed them into the private parking lot. After Padgett parked the FedEx truck and briefly went inside the building, he returned to find Vidro waiting. Surveillance footage cited in the affidavit shows Vidro accusing Padgett of hitting his car, which Padgett denied, attempting to defuse the situation by saying, “What the f— are you gonna do, get the f— out of my face.”
Padgett then attempted to distance himself by getting back into his truck and driving to a different section of the parking lot, with Vidro allegedly following closely, tires screeching. The pursuit continued to a private road where Padgett exited his vehicle, picked up a cinder block, and confronted Vidro, reportedly stating, “Wuz up, I don’t give a f— about that, you following me, I did not throw s— at your car.”
Vidro allegedly fired multiple shots at Padgett, striking him seven times in the chest, abdomen, arm and leg. Padgett’s girlfriend called 911. Cops believe Vidro fired nine shots.
“My boyfriend just got shot! We’re at the FedEx warehouse!” the girlfriend exclaimed, according to the call obtained by local ABC affiliate WPBF.
The girlfriend spoke to Padgett while she relayed information to dispatchers.
“OK. OK. Come on,” she said.
“I’m going to die, baby,” Padgett said.
“No, you’re not! You’re not! Come on! You’re not!” the girlfriend assured.
Paramedics rushed Padgett to the hospital, where he died.
Shortly after the shooting, Vidro himself called cops.
“I didn’t think to call you guys, but the lawyer told me to,” he allegedly said.
He confirmed he was involved in a shooting and he claimed self-defense. Vidro explained that he “emptied the magazine” but requested to speak with an attorney before making further statements.
Cops rejected a “Stand Your Ground” claim, saying the law only applies to a person who “is in a place they have a lawful right to be.” Since the FedEx distribution center is a restricted facility, Vidro had no right to be there, police said. In fact, cops argued, it was Padgett who had “full legal standing” and had “no duty to retreat.”
Investigators also noted that Vidro continued to follow Padgett while the victim repeatedly tried to get away from the situation.
“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,” detectives wrote. “Florida law does not extend Stand Your Ground protections to a person engaged in criminal activity at the time force is used.”
Police arrested Vidro and took him to the Palm Beach County Jail where he remains without bond. His next court date is set for May 18.
A GoFundMe organized by Padgett’s family called him a “loving father, husband and devoted family man.”
“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,” the description said.