USPS carrier robbed at gunpoint in Texas – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

A reward of up to $150,000 is being offered for information leading to the two individuals who robbed a USPS mail carrier at gunpoint in Addison.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service said the theft happened around 1:55 p.m. on May 6 at the Addison Apartments in the Park community, 3800 Spring Valley Road.

This is the latest in a string of robberies, many at gunpoint, across DFW since last year, as NBC 5 reported.

NBC 5 spoke with Kimetra Lewis, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers 132 in Dallas.

“A gun was pointed at her head. The robber was wearing a mask, so she couldn’t identify who did the crime,” Lewis said. “She was delivering mail to an apartment complex and that was the modus operandi for most of them.”

Lewis said she has contacted local union representatives to ensure the federal employee receives the resources she needs.

“I’ve never had a gun pointed at my head. I hope I never do, but I can imagine how she feels right now,” she said. “I imagine she’s scared, very scared, and may never want to return to the postal service. Not in a job that would put her in danger.”

Sean Smith, the U.S. postal inspector for the area, could not confirm that the theft involved a gun, but said his agency was working around the clock to bring the thieves to justice.

The first robber is described as black, possibly a teenager, with light skin and approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall. The man wore a black mask, black jacket and gray sweatpants, according to an award poster.

The second robber is described as black, possibly a teenager, with a dark brown complexion and approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall. The man had short dreadlocks and was wearing a black jacket and black pants.

The U.S. Postal Service urged the public not to take action to apprehend the thieves.

Smith stressed that the federal government is taking all necessary measures to better protect employees.

“We work behind the scenes,” he said. “Now we are limited in what we can share due to active investigations, but I can assure the public and employees that we take this very seriously and want to hold individuals who harm our employees accountable. “

Smith said Project Safe Delivery, launching in 2023, aims to combat a recent increase in threats and attacks against mail carriers and postal workers, as well as protect against package and mail theft.

“(Nationally) thefts are down, mail theft complaints are down and arrests are up,” Smith said.

Smith was not immediately able to provide NBC 5 with statistics for the DFW area.

Lewis emphasizes his desire for the USPS to increase the number of Postal Police personnel.

“Maybe hire more postal police officers so they can go out into the communities, especially where the apartment complexes are, just to monitor and make sure nothing is happening.”

She also calls on the public to be more aware of factors and drivers in their communities.

Criminals are often looking for a special key carried by mail carriers, especially those who deliver to residences, authorities said.

“My biggest fear is that someone will get hurt. I hope no mailman risks their life by not giving them the key, but I believe there will be a time when someone will challenge the thief. “

Lewis stressed that she believes improvements are being made, but said there is still more to do.

“I just wish the Postal Service would take this a little more seriously,” she said. “I’m not saying they brush it under the rug, but I wish they would instead of always trying to monitor how quickly a postman accomplishes his mission. I think they need to be more concerned about their safety and whether or not they are capable. ALL RIGHT.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the United States Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 (say “law enforcement” when prompted). Reference Case No. 4304340-ROBB.

The USPS said all information will be kept strictly confidential.