A Miami Gardens police officer is facing domestic violence charges after investigators said he pointed a handgun at his former girlfriend, allegedly choked her and later tried to get her to back off the case. Kolei Kulani McKinney Sr., 41, surrendered with his attorney Thursday and was taken into custody without incident, with a judge setting his bond at $6,000 Friday.
According to WSVN, the couple had been romantically involved for about eight months before an argument escalated in Opa-locka on July 17. The victim reportedly called McKinney after seeing him drive erratically, and he allegedly entered the passenger seat of her vehicle before pulling a black handgun from his waistband, waving it toward the windshield and grabbing her neck with both hands.
Charges Include Gun, Battery And Witness Tampering
Florida law defines aggravated assault as a threat of violence involving a deadly weapon or an intent to commit a felony, according to the Florida Legislature. A separate statute makes displaying, using or threatening to use a firearm while committing a felony a distinct offense, while the case also includes an allegation that McKinney tried to interfere with the investigation. The charges are allegations, and an arrest is not a finding of guilt.
The victim reported the incident on Sunday, and investigators said McKinney later asked her to recant her statement and stop speaking with detectives, WSVN reports. She also told police he violated a temporary domestic violence injunction by calling her at work. McKinney faces charges of aggravated assault with a firearm, using or displaying a firearm while committing a felony, tampering with a victim or witness, improper exhibition of a firearm, violating a domestic violence injunction and domestic battery.
