FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – An Oakland County man attacked a mail carrier who delivered a Kamala Harris ad to his mailbox, so he got pepper sprayed, police said.
Officials said they were called around 5 p.m. Sept. 26, 2024, to a home in the 21000 block of Rockwell Street in Farmington Hills.
A mail carrier told police that Russell Valleau, 61, of Farmington Hills, walked up to her delivery vehicle because he was mad that she had delivered political campaign ads for Harris.
Valleau is accused of shouting racist, sexual, and derogatory comments about the mail carrier and Harris.
Officials said Valleau pulled out a knife and lunged at the mail carrier, who grabbed her USPS-issued pepper spray and used it on him.
Valleau stopped attacking when the spray hit him in the face, police said. The mail carrier drove away.
Farmington Hills police arrested Valleau in a neighbor’s yard. He’s charged with felony ethnic intimidation and misdemeanor assault.
“The Farmington Hills Police Department is dedicated to preventing attacks based on race, gender, or political affiliation,” Farmington Hills police Chief Jeff King said. “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.”
Valleau was arraigned at 47th District Court the following day. A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf. Bond was set at $25,000, cash/surety.
A pre-exam conference is scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 27, 2024.
