Oakland Co. Man Pulls Knife On Mail Carrier After Receiving Kamala Harris Ad: Police

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI — A Farmington Hills man was arrested after pulling a knife on a mail carrier who placed a Kamala Harris ad in his home's mailbox, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office.

Russell Frank Valleau, 61, was charged with one count of ethnic intimidation and one count of assault and battery. He was placed in the Oakland County Jail with a bond set at $25,000.

If convicted on the ethnic intimidation charge, he faces up to two years in prison and or a fine up to $5,000. He also faces an additional 93 days in jail/or a fine up to $500 for the assault and battery charge.

The incident happened at Valleau's home in the 21000 block of Rockwell St. near Grand River Avenue and Middlebelt Road in Farmington Hills last Thursday, according to police.

Police said Valleau was upset after he received a political ad regarding presidential candidate Kamala Harris. He said that he did not want that "black b**ch" in his mailbox, according to police.

Valleau then called the mail carrier "black b**ch" and lunged at her with a knife, causing her to pepper spray him, according to police.

After the mail carrier pepper-sprayed him, Valleau ran away to a neighbor's yard where officers arrested him in connection with the incident, according to police.

"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," said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.