Russell Valleau, Farmington Hills, Michigan man lunges at postal carrier with knife after placing Kamila Harris campaign material in his mailbox.
A Michigan man upset about having received Kamala Harris campaign material in his mailbox is accused of assaulting a postal carrier.
Russell Frank Valleau, 61 of Farmington Hills was arrested Friday after attacking the postal worker with a knife, with the local resident charged with felony ethnic intimidation and misdemeanor assault and battery.
‘In this highly charged political moment, everyone has a right to their political opinion and vote,’ Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in a released statement on Friday. ‘Whatever our political beliefs, no one should be assaulted or threatened because of their race, or for doing their job.’
According to the prosecutor, Valleau, told the letter carrier that he ‘did not want that ‘Black bitch’ in his mailbox,” initially referring to the vice president. Then, he repeated the slur, but this time was referring to postal service employee, before lunging at her with a knife.
In defense, the un-named postal carrier used pepper spray on Valleau.
Police, who later showed up, took Valleau into custody.
Prosecutors are increasingly using the charges to fight what often is called a hate crime.
They can include intimidation, harassment, physical force, or a threat of physical force directed against someone motivated by bias against their real or perceived race, ethnic background, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability according to CBS News.
‘The Farmington Hills Police Department is dedicated to preventing attacks based on race, gender or political affiliation,’ said Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King. ‘Such conduct is not tolerated in this great community and the Farmington Hills Police Department will use every resource to bring offenders to justice, ensuring the community remains a safe and welcoming place for all people.’
If convicted, Valleau potentially faces prison time and a fine. The maximum penalty for misdemeanor assault and battery is 93 days in jail and a fine of $500, and for felony ethnic intimidation, up to two years imprisonment and a fine of $5,000.
McDonald added that ‘hate crimes impact all of us’ and warned she would ‘vigorously pursue all such cases.’
A regard of Valleau’s prior criminal record includes felonies for; Aggravated Stalking, Possession of Firearms by a Felon, Malicious Destruction of Fire or Police Property, etc.
Valleau is due back in court for a preliminary examination on Oct. 27.
