Man Unhappy with Campaign Ad Accused of Assaulting and Intimidating Mail Carrier in Farmington Hills
(City of Farmington Hills, Sept. 27, 2024)
Farmington Hills, MI – A Farmington Hills man is facing assault and ethnic intimidation charges, following a Farmington Hills Police Department investigation. Officers responded to the 21000 block of Rockwell St., near Grand River Avenue and Middlebelt Road, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, at approximately 5 p.m., after receiving a 911 call reporting that a United States Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier had been threatened with a knife.
Officers spoke with the mail carrier who reported that an intoxicated male approached her delivery vehicle because he was upset that she delivered political campaign ads for Vice President Kamala Harris. The agitated suspect was shouting racist, sexual and derogatory remarks about both the Vice President and the mail carrier. He then produced a knife and lunged at the mail carrier. The mail carrier, in fear for her life, retrieved her USPS issued pepper spray and discharged it in the suspect’s face. This caused the suspect to stop his attack and flee the scene.
Farmington Hills Police officers quickly responded and located the suspect in a neighbor’s yard. The responding officers safely apprehended and arrested Russell Valleau, a 61-year-old resident of Farmington Hills.
After a thorough investigation, Farmington Hills Police detectives submitted their findings to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, which issued a two-count warrant, charging Valleau with felony Ethnic Intimidation and misdemeanor Assault.
Russell Valleau was arraigned on these charges before Magistrate Sawicki of the 47th District Court on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf, and bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety. A Pre-Exam Conference is set for Oct. 27, 2024, at 9 a.m. before Judge Parker.
“The Farmington Hills Police Department is dedicated to preventing attacks based on race, gender or political affiliation,” said 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.”
The Farmington Hills Police Department is committed to ensuring a safe election season. The Farmington Hills Police Department has partnered with City Clerk’s Office, as well as state and federal partners to ensure appropriate safety plans are in place.
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