A United States Postal Service (USPS) employee in Escambia County, Florida, has been charged with aggravated assault after allegedly attempting to hit a 10-year-old boy with a postal vehicle.
The incident reportedly occurred on Dec. 27, when the child was trying to deliver a package that had been mistakenly left at the wrong address.
Authorities say the encounter escalated quickly and resulted in injuries to the child.
According to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reports, 41-year-old William White Jr. saw the boy riding an electric scooter with the package and mistakenly believed he was attempting to steal it.
The report states that White intentionally drove the USPS vehicle toward the child and ran over the scooter, narrowly missing him as the boy moved into a nearby yard.
White allegedly then lifted the scooter from under the vehicle, placed it on the truck and drove away while yelling at the child.
When a family member tried to intervene, White reportedly threw the scooter into a nearby yard.
The child suffered an ankle injury and was treated at Studer Family Children’s Hospital in Pensacola.
White was taken into custody on New Year’s Eve and faces charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, petit theft and criminal mischief.
He was released on a $5,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 23, according to The Blaze.
FHP Captain Jason King described the incident as far more serious than a simple accident.
“This is an intentional act by a United States postal worker,” King said.
He added that a brief conversation could have prevented the situation from escalating, emphasizing that the incident involved a young child and not a typical package theft.
The USPS released a statement stressing the importance of safety for both employees and the public.
“The Postal Inspection Service, the law enforcement arm of the Postal Service, is actively investigating this issue alongside local authorities,” the agency told WEAR. “We can confirm the employee has been with the Postal Service since 2025. The Postal Service does not publicly comment on personnel matters.”
Neighbors expressed shock over the incident. Alexus Brown, a resident in the area, told the outlet, “It’s heartbreaking. This is a very quiet neighborhood.”
Others said they could not believe such an event occurred in their community, highlighting concerns about both public safety and employee conduct.
The episode has drawn attention to the need for careful handling of misdelivered packages and the importance of remaining calm during disputes.
Authorities continue to investigate the matter as White awaits his next court date.
The case also raises questions about postal worker training and response protocols in situations involving children or accidental deliveries.
While law enforcement emphasizes that such incidents are rare, the community remains on alert, and advocacy for heightened safety measures for both children and postal employees has gained traction in local discussions.
Officials encourage residents to report incidents immediately and to prioritize non-confrontational solutions when possible.
The investigation continues, and updates are expected as authorities review all details surrounding the December incident.
The outcome of the legal proceedings will determine the consequences White may face under Florida law.
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