A routine evening at Fort Lauderdale's Holiday Park turned into a police matter on Wednesday when, according to officers, a part-time city parks worker hurled a cup of vodka into a 72-year-old woman's face during what investigators describe as an unprovoked run-in. The woman suffered minor injuries, was taken to Holy Cross Hospital for treatment and evaluation, and is expected to recover, authorities said. Officers located the suspected worker at the park and took her into custody at the scene. A judge later found probable cause to charge her with battery on a person 65 years or older and set bond.
What Police Say
Fort Lauderdale officers were called to Holiday Park around 5:30 p.m. for a report of a possible battery, according to NBC 6 South Florida. Police identified the suspect as 50-year-old Adrienne Michelle James. The 72-year-old victim told officers the two had gotten into an argument before James allegedly threw vodka into her face and eyes.
At Friday's bond hearing, an arraignment prosecutor noted the defendant's employment and the setting of the incident, adding, "I imagine the city may take some issue with this."
At The Park
Holiday Park is one of Fort Lauderdale's larger community hubs, with athletic fields, a gymnasium and senior-focused offerings that include the Club 55+ program. According to the facility listing on the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks & Recreation site, the park is managed by the city's parks department and hosts classes along with social programming geared toward older residents.
Court, Bond And Restrictions
As reported by NBC 6 South Florida, a judge found probable cause for the charge of battery on a person 65 years or older and set James' bond at $2,500. The court ordered her to have no contact with the victim and barred her from possessing firearms, weapons or ammunition while the case is pending.
Prosecutors told the court there was an independent witness to the confrontation and that there was no provocation for the alleged attack. They said the investigation is still active.
Police Contacts And Next Steps
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department lists non-emergency and other contact numbers on its website for anyone with information about this case or other incidents. Residents can find those phone numbers along with media contact details on the Fort Lauderdale Police Department site.
