Suspects on the run after gunpoint robbery of mailman in North Carolina, police say

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. (WNCN) — Southern Pines police are looking for three suspects after an armed robbery of a postal worker Wednesday afternoon.

On Wednesday, around 1:08 p.m., officers said they responded to Elk Ridge Lane after a report of an armed robbery. After an initial investigation, it was revealed that a postal worker was delivering mail at the community mailboxes when three unknown suspects approached the victim to rob him at gunpoint.

During the robbery, police said suspects stole personal effects from the victim as well as undelivered mail and other property belonging to the U.S. Postal Service.

According to investigators, the three suspects ran off and have not been identified or located.

Police said the clothing descriptions of two suspects revealed that one suspect was wearing a camouflage hoodie and another suspect was wearing all black clothing with a face mask.

Southern Pines police are requesting assistance from the community, including homes or business security camera footage that may have captured one or more suspects in the area of the robbery.

“The U.S. Postal Inspection’s core mission is to protect the Postal Service, its employees, and the mail,” said Jessica Adams, the U.S. Postal Inspector in the Charlotte Field Office. “Our top priority is investigating violent crimes against USPS employees.  We are seeking the public’s assistance for information regarding these crimes.”

“Anyone who has information regarding these robberies of USPS employees or knowledge of anyone in possession of USPS property should contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 (say ‘Law Enforcement’) and reference case number 4400907,” she continued. “All information will be kept strictly confidential. Armed robbery of a USPS employee is a violation of Title 18, U.S. Code Section 2114, and is punishable by up to 25 years in prison.”

Anyone with information is also asked to call police at 910-692-7031 or the Crime Tip Line at 910-693-4110.

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