Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Valerie Ann Reed, 36, was apprehended early this morning following an incident where she allegedly shouted at a woman exiting her car at Publix and then “donkey kicked” the vehicle, inflicting roughly $2,000 in damage, while attempting to open the driver’s door.
The victim recounted to an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy that she parked her vehicle at Publix at Butler Plaza West (3930 SW Archer Road) around 1 p.m. on August 6. A woman approached and began yelling at her as she exited her car. She quickly retreated into her car out of fear, after which the woman started “donkey kicking” the driver’s side and rear driver’s side doors while screaming, “Get up out of the car.”
As the confrontation continued, the victim started recording the woman, who persisted in striking and kicking the car while trying to pull the victim out. The woman attempted to force the door open, but the victim managed to lock it just in time.
The deputy reported that the victim showed him a video of the incident, and he estimated the damage to the victim’s car at about $2,000.
The victim captured the license plate of the woman’s vehicle on video and contacted 911. Deputies deduced a likely location for the car and reportedly located Reed at her residence.
Following a Miranda warning, Reed reportedly conceded to being in the parking lot and acknowledged having a verbal dispute with the victim, claiming the victim almost struck her while she was crossing the parking lot, which led her to confront the victim. Reed initially omitted details about kicking the victim’s car or trying to open her door, but upon being informed there was video evidence, she reportedly confessed to kicking the door and trying to open it.
Reed faces charges of attempted burglary with assault or battery and property damage exceeding $1,000. She has no prior criminal convictions, and Judge Jonathan Ramsey ordered her release on her own recognizance.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
