A suspended officer with the Miami Gardens Police Department is preparing to file a lawsuit against the Opa-locka Police Department following the dismissal of criminal charges connected to his arrest. The legal move comes after the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office dropped the sole charge facing Kolei Kulani McKinney Sr., a 41-year-old law enforcement veteran, during a court appearance on Friday, November 13, 2026.
McKinney, who has served as a police officer for 14 years and previously served in the U.S. Navy, was arrested in Opa-locka on July 30. The arrest stemmed from an alleged incident that occurred on July 17, during which he was accused of violently assaulting a woman after an argument escalated. Since that summer encounter, the officer has been relieved of duty and has been off the street while the legal proceedings unfolded.
Outside the courtroom following the hearing, McKinney expressed relief and gratitude for the outcome. He stated that he felt great and wanted to praise the Most High. The officer indicated that his primary goal at this stage is to move forward with his life and professional career.
Although the criminal charge has been dismissed, McKinney's attorney, Stephan Lopez, argues that the arresting agency now bears the burden of defending its actions in civil court. Lopez described the original case as weak, asserting that it lacked probable cause and that his client did not commit the crimes for which he was charged.
The initial investigation suggested that McKinney got into a car with an unnamed woman during the July encounter. The woman claimed that during the incident, McKinney choked her and pulled a gun on her. However, in an interview with 7News conducted in August, McKinney denied strangling the woman, challenging the core allegations made by the complainant.
McKinney's wife, Kenesha, shared her perspective on the ordeal, describing the situation as embarrassing. She noted that their children had to suffer through the public attention and legal process, expressing her belief that the experience was unfair to the family.
Attorney Lopez confirmed that a lawsuit will be filed against the Opa-locka Police Department and at least one of the arresting officers. When asked if the legal action was certain, Lopez responded with an emphatic yes, stating it was absolutely and without a doubt. The lawsuit seeks to address the circumstances of the arrest and the subsequent suspension of McKinney.
Lopez also advocated for his client's immediate return to active duty. He highlighted that McKinney has been without pay for five months while suspended. The attorney emphasized McKinney's background as a 20-year Navy veteran, arguing for his reinstatement to the street.
When asked to direct a message to the Opa-locka Police Department, McKinney suggested that the agency improve its training regarding investigations. He also urged the department to gain more experience in handling such cases. News Media House has reached out to Opa-locka Police for their official reaction to the planned lawsuit.
