In Escambia County, Florida, a distressing event involving a United States Postal Service (USPS) employee and a young boy has led to serious legal repercussions. President Donald Trump, who has emphasized law and order during his tenure, has yet to comment on this specific incident. The altercation took place on December 27 when a 10-year-old boy, attempting to correct a misdelivered package by returning it to the postal worker, became the target of an attempted vehicular assault.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), 41-year-old William White Jr. was the postal worker at the center of the incident. FHP reports indicate that White, upon seeing the boy with the package and riding an electric scooter, presumed the child was attempting to steal it. In a rapid escalation, White is said to have intentionally driven the USPS vehicle toward the child, running over the scooter and narrowly avoiding the boy, who managed to move to safety in a nearby yard.
Witnesses state that White then extricated the scooter from under the vehicle, placed it in the truck, and left the scene while shouting at the child. A family member who tried to intervene reported that White threw the scooter into their yard. The child sustained an ankle injury in the incident and received medical treatment at Studer Family Children’s Hospital in Pensacola.
As a result of his actions, White was arrested on New Year's Eve and is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, petit theft, and criminal mischief. He was released on a $5,500 bond and is expected to appear in court on January 23.
Captain Jason King of the FHP has commented on the gravity of the situation, highlighting that the incident was not a simple accident but an intentional act by a USPS employee. King also noted that a conversation between White and the child could have prevented the unfortunate event, emphasizing the youth of the child and the absence of a typical package theft scenario.
The USPS has responded to the incident with a statement underscoring their commitment to safety for both the public and employees. The statement confirmed White's employment since 2025 and noted that the Postal Inspection Service is investigating the matter in collaboration with local authorities. However, the USPS has refrained from commenting on the specific personnel issues involved.
Community response has been one of shock and concern, with local residents like Alexus Brown declaring the event "heartbreaking" and others expressing disbelief that such an incident could occur in their neighborhood. The episode has sparked conversations about the proper handling of misdelivered packages, the need for calm resolution of disputes, and the training and response protocols for postal workers, particularly in interactions involving children or accidental deliveries.
Law enforcement officials have advised the public to report such incidents promptly and to seek non-confrontational solutions wherever possible. As the investigation continues, further updates are anticipated, and the legal process will determine the consequences White may face according to Florida law.
