FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A Fort Lauderdale parks worker was arrested earlier this week after police say she threw alcohol on a 72-year-old woman during an altercation at a city park.
Jail records show Adrienne Michelle James is facing a charge of aggravated battery on a person 65 years of age or older.
Officers with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department on Tuesday evening said they responded to a reported battery and located James at the scene.
Police said she showed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and the smell of alcohol on her breath.
Authorities said the victim told officers that around 5:15 p.m., she was sitting on a bench near the concessions area at Holiday Park, located at 1150 G. Harold Martin Dr., with a friend when she saw James, whom she recognized as a park employee from prior interactions.
The woman said she greeted James, who then began cursing at her and calling her a liar and a “Trump sympathizer,” according to the report.
Police confirmed that a short time later, James sat behind the victim, then stood up, walked in front of her, and began pouring what the victim believed to be vodka onto her chest and head from a plastic container, the report states.
The victim told police the liquid was then thrown into her face, causing a burning sensation, particularly in her eyes, according to investigators.
Officers said they observed that the woman’s clothing and hair were wet and that her eyes were red. They said she was taken to Holy Cross Health for treatment.
A witness told police he saw James pour alcohol on the victim, corroborating her account, though he said it was from a plastic cup rather than a bottle, the report states, according to the report.
Investigators said the victim told them that she wants to press charges.
Records show James was being held at the Broward County Main Jail but has since posted a $2,500 bond.
Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
