The identity of the "super liberal" woman accused of attacking Republican House District 27 candidate Billy Ray Todd at a Walmart in Arab Tuesday has been released.
Arab City Police Chief Shane Washburn confirmed that Michelle Marie Bradshaw, 46, of Guntersville, was arrested Wednesday afternoon in connection to the incident. She was charged with misdemeanor harassment.
Todd told 1819 News that while campaigning Tuesday, Bradshaw attacked him after the two argued over political views.
"She told me first, straight up, she's a 'super liberal.' So I knew then, but she wanted to conversate," he said in a video posted to X. "The conversation was decent for a second, but I told her we don't need wokeness in our schools. We don't need transgender studies in our schools. Kids need to know the truth."
Todd said that's when the woman became more hostile.
"Each time she kept coming back toward me, she was very aggressive," he continued. "She ran up to me one time; I believe she was sizing me up. Then, when she backed off, she charged, full charge, and she was coming for my face."
Todd said he put his arm up to protect his face. He then pulled her to the ground and held her until security arrived.
Todd sustained a couple of bloody scratches on his arm, apparently from where the woman grabbed him during the struggle, he said.
Washburn told 1819 News that Bradshaw accused Todd of following her before the incident, but security footage showed otherwise.
"She said that he kept following her before the incident, but footage showed otherwise," the police chief said. "That was not the case. He was walking away from her. She walked up to him and grabbed his shirt around the collar."
To connect with the story's author or comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com or find him on Twitter and Facebook.
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