Farmington Hills man accused of lunging at mail carrier with knife because she put Kamala Harris flyer in his mailbox

FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) — A Farmington Hills man is behind bars after allegedly assaulting a postal carrier because he was upset over political mail that he had received.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald has charged 61-year-old Russell Frank Valleau with one count each of ethnic intimidation and misdemeanor assault and battery for the alleged incident on Thursday in the 21000 block of Rockwell, near Grand River and Middlebelt

Valleau was allegedly upset that he had received mail regarding presidential nominee Kamala Harris and told the carrier he did not want that “Black b***h” in his mailbox. He also allegedly called the female postal carrier a “Black b***h”, according to the prosecutor’s office.

The Farmington Hills Police Department says Valleau, who was allegedly intoxicated at the time, approached the woman’s delivery truck while “shouting racist, sexual and derogatory remarks about both the Vice President and the mail carrier.”

He then pulled out a knife and lunged at the mail carrier, according to the department. The mail carrier, "in fear for her life," retrieved her USPS-issued pepper spray and discharged it in the suspect’s face, causing Valleau to stop his attack and flee the scene, according to police.

During his arraignment Friday, Valleau’s bond was set at $25,000 cash/surety and his next court date has been scheduled for Oct. 27.

“In this highly charged political moment, everyone has a right to their political opinion and vote. Whatever our political beliefs, no one should be assaulted or threatened because of their race, or for doing their job. Hate crimes impact all of us, and we will vigorously pursue all such cases,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in a press release.

Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King said in a press release his department is “dedicated to preventing attacks based on race, gender or political affiliation.”

“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,” King said.

Ethnic intimidation is a felony that carries a punishment of up to two years in prison, while assault and battery is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500.