Case against woman accused of breaking deputy’s facial bone heads to higher court

A judge on Thursday advanced the case against a Pontiac woman who allegedly punched a sheriff’s deputy, fracturing his orbital bone.

That means Andrea Sheppard, 33, will face an Oakland County Circuit Court judge for one count of assaulting a police officer causing injury for the June 6, 2021, incident in Pontiac.

The case was bound over following a preliminary exam before 50th District Judge Cynthia Walker where Deputy Donald Radde testified to Sheppard striking him several times in the face, breaking one of the bones which makes up the eye socket. Sheppard “made solid contact with my left eye,” Radde said, which immediately caused his vision to be impaired by a “very thick fog.”

The injury reportedly kept him off work for eight weeks.

Radde said he came upon Sheppard on East Pike Street near Woodward Avenue at around 7 a.m. that day, in response to back-up requested by another sheriff’s deputy. Sheppard was reportedly acting “unusual,” pacing back and forth in the street “and appeared to be talking to herself or maybe an imaginary person who wasn’t there,” Radde testified.

The other deputy called for assistance after trying to speak with Sheppard earlier and being met with “an aggressive response,” Radde said.

He further testified that Sheppard had made motions as if she were firing a handgun at the other deputy’s patrol car and his, and then quickly moved toward his car, coming in contact with the front bumper. As he attempted to get out of his car, Radde said, Sheppard tried to shove his door shut but he was able to push her away. She then “began throwing punches,” Radde said.

The other deputy tasered Sheppard and she was taken into custody, then transported to an area hospital for evaluation. Radde also received medical testing and care that morning, where his facial fracture was diagnosed. He’s since recovered.

Radde was the only witness called by the assistant prosecutor Bob Zivian for the preliminary exam. Defense attorney William Hatchett called no witnesses.

Sheppard’s arraignment in circuit court is pending. She’s out of custody on a personal bond, which doesn’t require any cash or surety to be posted.

Sheppard could face up to four years in prison if convicted.