Florida authorities reportedly arrested a U.S. Postal Service driver after investigators said he intentionally drove his government vehicle toward a 10-year-old boy and ran over the child’s electric scooter in a residential neighborhood, an incident state troopers described as deliberate and dangerous.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the confrontation unfolded on Dec. 27 in the Ensley area of Escambia County, near the intersection of Kingfisher Way and Kingfisher Court. Troopers identified the driver as 41-year-old William White Jr., who was delivering mail at the time.
Investigators said White initially dropped off a package at the wrong home. When the child realized the delivery error, he mounted his electric scooter and attempted to take the package to the correct address, a simple act troopers say should have ended the matter.
Instead, authorities allege White believed the boy was stealing the package and reacted aggressively. “This isn’t just an oops crash with a 10-year-old,” Florida Highway Patrol Capt. Jason King told WEAR News. “This is an intentional act by a United States postal worker trying to run over a 10-year-old.”
Troopers said White then “purposely drove” the USPS vehicle toward the child. As the boy jumped out of the way, investigators say the postal truck ran over the scooter, destroying it and causing the child to suffer an ankle injury. The boy was transported to a children’s hospital in Pensacola for treatment, according to the Highway Patrol.
The incident did not end there, authorities said. Troopers allege White yelled at the child after the scooter was crushed, then exited the vehicle and pulled the damaged scooter from underneath the postal truck. Rather than staying at the scene, White reportedly drove off.
When a family member confronted him shortly afterward, investigators said White threw the scooter into a nearby yard on Blue Jay Way before leaving the area entirely. Troopers described the sequence of events as alarming, particularly given the involvement of a child and a government vehicle.
White was not immediately arrested that day. Florida Highway Patrol said he was taken into custody after returning to work on Dec. 31. He was booked on multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, petit theft and criminal mischief.
The arrest has sparked concern about accountability and judgment among government employees entrusted with public safety and taxpayer-funded equipment. Troopers emphasized that a vehicle can be considered a deadly weapon under Florida law when used in a threatening or reckless manner.
The United States Postal Service confirmed that its Postal Inspection Service is investigating the incident in coordination with local law enforcement. In a statement provided to People, USPS said it does not comment on personnel matters, but acknowledged the ongoing investigation.
The case underscores broader concerns raised by law enforcement officials about the need for swift consequences when public servants are accused of abusing their authority or endangering children. Florida Highway Patrol officials said the facts alleged in this case warranted serious charges and a thorough investigation.
As the legal process moves forward, White is expected to face court proceedings in Escambia County. Authorities have not released additional details about his employment status or whether further charges could be added.
For residents in the neighborhood, the incident has been a sobering reminder that even routine interactions can turn dangerous when tempers flare. Law enforcement officials urged the public to report suspicious or threatening behavior immediately and stressed that no misunderstanding ever justifies putting a child’s life at risk.
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