The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has released images of a person of interest in the two cases of armed robbery of USPS letter carriers in Chicago. Both incidents occurred within 15 minutes of each other on the Northwest side of the city.
First Robbery
On August 1, a little after 3:30 p.m., two male subjects approached a 52-year-old USPS postal carrier, delivering mail in the 3200 block of North Kildare Avenue. Upon approaching the male worker, the suspects attempted to steal the USPS carrier’s belongings. Then, one of the subjects began to shoot at the mail carrier. One bullet struck the victim in the leg.
Neighbors of the Kilbourn Park community stated the USPS mail carrier worked in the area for at least 15 years. One person, Will Lecopp, stated the worker was “The kindest, nicest, most gentle human being on the planet.”
Ali Sanchez, a resident living nearby, stated she witnessed a person in a white Kia circling the block prior to hearing the gunshot.
He was like speeding through the alley and then the second time he came around was when he shot the guy and then all our neighbors started running.
Second Attack on a USPS Letter Carrier
Roughly 15 minutes later, a second attack on a USPS mail carrier happened in the 1800 block of North Sawyer Avenue in Logan Square. This incident also involved a white Kia. However, this time, the suspects only held the USPS worker at gunpoint during the robbery.
Earlier this year, dozens of other letter carriers had been targeted. However, only one USPS worker has been shot and rushed to the hospital.
President of the National Association for Letter Carriers Branch 11, Elise Foster, stated, “We don’t know what it’s going to take for people to listen to us that we need help.”
What Is Known So Far
1/3 ????UPDATED REWARD POSTER???? Postal Inspectors have increased the reward from $50,000 to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) involved in two armed robberies of USPS letter carriers on 8/1/23, one of which resulted in a shooting… pic.twitter.com/arL3fYDpRC
— USPIS – Chicago (@USPIS_CHI) August 10, 2023
Authorities recovered the Kian used in both attacks and have already begun their forensic investigation. Currently, the USPS’ Inspection Service hopes the images of the person of interest will help them collect further information about the attacks.
Anyone who may know who the subject or any information about the robberies are asked to contact the Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455. When asked what department, say “Law Enforcement” and reference case No. 4088796. Any and all information shared with them will be kept confidential.
Additionally, people have been asked to alert authorities if they see the person of interest. The USPS have advised people not to take any “ACTION TO APPREHEND THIS PERSON.”
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
ABC 7 Chicago: Photos of person of interest in Chicago USPS armed robberies released, $100K reward offered
Chicago Sun-Times: Photo of alleged USPS gunman released, reward offered following 2 armed robberies
CBS News: Chicago Shooting: Suspects shoot, attempt to rob postal carrier in Kilbourn Park
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Atomic Taco‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy rulenumberone2‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
