Man accused of attacking ice cream truck driver who he thought was ‘acting suspiciously’ around kids

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX/Gray News) – A man in Texas is facing charges after police say he attacked an ice cream truck driver Tuesday because he believed the driver was “acting suspiciously” around children.

Michael Valadez, 42, was arrested after allegedly punching the ice cream truck driver multiple times, stealing his phone and threatening to shoot him, according to arrest documents from the College Station Police Department.

Valadez reportedly told officers he believed the driver was acting suspiciously around children, claiming he saw the man take phones from kids and give them his phone number.

The driver, however, told police the children were using their phones to pay for treats via Apple Pay and Cash App. He also said he shares his number with customers so they can call him to return to their neighborhood.

After further investigation, police determined the ice cream truck operator had not engaged in any inappropriate or illegal behavior.

Valadez was charged with robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm.