Milwaukee letter carriers' union concerned with another act of violence after armed robbery by 3 suspects
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Three suspects are on the run after a United States Postal Service (USPS) employee was robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight in Milwaukee on Monday, Nov. 6.
It happened just after 11 a.m. near 48th Street and Euclid Avenue.
Police say three suspects confronted the 49-year-old postal worker, pointed a handgun, took the worker's keys and fled the scene.
This robbery is the latest in a string of crimes against postal service workers that have turned deadly at times.
The letter carrier's union did not have an update on the victimized worker when we spoke Monday afternoon. But they did say many of their more than 1,000 members are again shaken by another attack on someone they say just wants to serve their community.
Tom Dahl is the Vice President of Branch 2 of the National Association of Letter Carriers. He told us, "There's an extreme worry amongst our membership."
After the robbery, all USPS carriers were pulled off their routes.
Dahl said, "There is a definite concern from our carriers that their safety is in jeopardy while they're doing their job on the streets."
He said he didn't think management was hiding from the issue, but said it needs more attention.
The latest threat happened just one day after dozens of letter carriers rallied for better working conditions, including more safety precautions.
At the rally Sunday, letter carrier and co-organizer Travis Albert told us, "We've had numerous assaults out on the street, and we feel like those have not been taken seriously."
On Monday, a spokesperson for Mayor Cavalier Johnson told us, "The Milwaukee Police prioritize the investigation of assaults or robberies committed against letter carriers, and we are hopeful those responsible for such actions are held accountable."
Dahl said the NALC's more than 1,000 Milwaukee members are fearful because things have been trending in the wrong direction over the last several years. He said, "I would say the last five has been extreme in the uptick of violent activity toward letter carriers on our streets."
Among the recent high-profile incidents:
- Three people robbed a mail carrier near Palmer and Burleigh in September 2020.
- Letter carrier Aundre Cross was shot and killed in December 2022. He was honored by coworkers and friends like Darius Holmes, who told us at the time, "The tears that they shed, the words that they spoke, the prayers that they gave, just showed how much he was adored."
- In April of 2023 another USPS worker was robbed at gunpoint near 88th and Chambers. Frank Albergo, the National President of Postal Police Officers Association said at the time, "I was a letter carrier for six years. I'll tell you this I wouldn’t want to be a letter carrier now."
The Postal Inspection Service and FBI responded to Monday's robbery.
Dahl said federal and local officials need to brainstorm solutions. "This is an issue for the Milwaukee community that I would think citizens are very concerned."
Dahl pointed out one of the fears is the coming holidays mark peak season for mail carriers.
Additionally, with the sun setting earlier after this weekend's changing of the clocks, he said more carriers will be working their routes in the dark later in the afternoon.
An investigation is ongoing and police are seeking unknown suspects.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-Tips or P3 Tips.