On January 19th, 2022 I was attacked by a White man, Michael Hines (MH), as I exited my vehicle after I parked in front of my home. Although I have owned my home for 13 years, the flagger (MH) assumed that I was attempting to run his stop sign. I made several attempts to get his attention but MH was on the phone. When I beeped my horn he became hostile, slamming his pole down and getting frustrated as if upset that I interrupted his call. He then screamed “you’re going to fucking wait” in addition to referring to me as a “Black b*tch”. 

 

When I managed to get behind MH to park in front of my home, I exited my vehicle to grab things from my trunk. MH left his post and approached me. The attack that followed has left me with pulled hair, a sprained neck, and a broken hand. In addition to having to get surgery to have a rod placed in my hand, I have had to live with the anxiety of exiting my home knowing that he could be working there any day.

 

As a hairstylist and makeup artist I have lost the ability to work and provide for myself and 3 children. I filed charges against MH as a result and thought that this nightmare would soon be resolved. However, MH filed charges after I did, forcing me to turn myself in hours after receiving surgery on my hand. The reports that MH filed (both to his employer and police) are contradictory. Although there are witnesses who intervened as I was being attacked and even the police who responded on the scene are aware that MH was on his phone while working, I was charged nonetheless.

 

I am asking for assistance with my survival and legal fees in order to prevent further jail time for me and to assure that my children are not separated from their mother. I thank you for the continued support and thank you for assisting me in my quest to obtain justice.