Bodycam video shows aftermath of hate crime against Fort Lauderdale postal worker and arrest of suspect – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) – A newly released video from a police officer-worn body camera documents the aftermath of what authorities describe as a hate crime against a Fort Lauderdale postal worker that led to a man’s arrest.

Fort Lauderdale Police Officers' body cameras were rolling when they arrived at the scene of the incident on the afternoon of October 24, 2023.

“What happened? I see a little blood on your right side,” an officer said to the postman.

“He grabbed me. He took my hijab and everything,” said the postman.

The 47-year-old victim, a Muslim employee of the United States Postal Service, said she was delivering mail when the suspect, 47-year-old Kenneth Pinkney, approached her on a bicycle.

“He was riding his bike and I just said 'excuse me' and the only thing I – he acted like he was pointing a gun at him,” the postman said.

“He pretended to point a gun?” the officer said.

“He told me, 'Go back to your country.' I said, 'You know what? Just leave me alone,'” the postman said.

But in a bodycam video showing a police officer talking to Pinkney, the suspect told a different story.

“So they went to her and asked her about the change of address,” the officer said.

“Yes,” said Pinkney.

“And then, out of the blue, she just starts disrespecting your family,” the officer said.

“I came up, asked, and, this is America. You have the right to walk around and ask whatever you want, so I didn't do anything else and then it went left with her,” Pinkney said.

Pinkney told the officer that the postal worker had ripped his shirt.

“She put her hands on me first,” he said.

“She ripped your shirt,” the officer said.

“You see my shirt,” Pinkney said.

“I do, I do, but she did this to you. She cursed at you and ripped your shirt?” the officer said.

“Yes, sir,” said Pinkney.

“Out of nowhere,” said the officer.

The mail carrier told police she was trying to evade the suspect and that's when Pinkney tried to grab her.

“[He said]”'Go back to your country, go back to your country,'” she said, “and then I'll get in my truck.”

“OK,” said the officer.

“I got in my truck and he started spitting on the truck,” the mailman said.

“OK,” said the officer.

“And then I had the window down and he spat in my face,” the postman said. “When I tried to close the door, he grabbed me and took off my hijab.”

“OK,” said the officer.

“And then, you know what? Then I feel, you know, the slap in the face,” said the postman.

“He started punching you in the face?” the officer said.

“Yes,” said the postman.

Pinkney did call 911. Bodycam video captured part of a phone conversation between the suspect and a responding police officer.

“And you're over there right now? I just want to find out what's going on there and then give you a case card,” the officer said.

“Man, I'm here, man. I'm on Powerline [Road]Man,” Pinkney said.

Pinkney was questioned and arrested. He was charged with assaulting a federal employee and also with a hate crime.

The bodycam video showed the moment when two police officers handcuffed the suspect.

“What are you doing, Dad? You're handcuffing me? What are you doing? Why are they taking me prisoner for this? [expletive]?” Pinkney said.

Once Pinkney was in the patrol car, he realized the reality of the situation.

“Daddy! Get my phone, Daddy! Get my phone! Get my phone, Daddy!” he said.

Pinkney was taken to prison and eventually pleaded guilty. He will spend the next three years in a federal prison.

The postwoman suffered scratches on her face.

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