Update at 3:00 p.m.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Urbana Police Department has provided additional details about Monday’s armed robbery involving a U.S postal worker.
Early voting is open in Illinois. Here’s where you can cast your ballot: The say around 7:48 p.m. a male approached a mail carrier in the 2400 block of Prairie Green in Urbana. The male held a handgun at his side during the confrontation and grabbed the keys to the community mailboxes from the carrier’s bag.
The suspect was described as a black male, around 20 years old and between 5’08-5’09 with a “thin build.” He was wearing a black ski mask, gray hooded sweatshirt and black pants.
Anyone with information can contact Urbana Police at 217-384-2320. Residents can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 217-373-TIPS, online or the P3 Tips mobile app.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A key that unlocks 90% of mailboxes in Urbana, as well as USPS collection boxes, is missing after a carrier was robbed at gunpoint Monday night.
Champaign County records first human case of West Nile Virus According to Nikeya Holmes, a customer service supervisor with the Urbana Post Office, the carrier was delivering mail to Prairie Green Apartment Homes complex in Urbana between 7:30-8 p.m. when it happened.
Holmes said the key that was stolen was an “arrow key.” Better known as a universal or master key, these keys can unlock collection boxes, outdoor lockers and apartment panels throughout the city.
Holmes said she isn’t sure what will happen if the key is not found, but that the Chicago-area has seen similar crimes in the past. She said that the Urbana Post Office will communicate with other offices who have experienced this issue before to figure out what to do if the key remains stolen.
The mail carrier wasn’t hurt, but mail delivery has been paused at this location and Prairie Green residents will pick their mail up from the post office at Tatman Court. Holmes said this is due to safety concerns.
‘This is a matter of public safety’: Springfield leaders defend removing homeless belongings The post office hopes to work out an agreement with the apartment complex to have mail delivered to the main office, rather than to individual boxes. Holmes said the main office has better lighting and cameras.
According to Holmes, the Urbana Police investigated the scene on Monday. They have also been in touch with postal inspectors.
WCIA reached out to Urbana Police for more details on the incident and is waiting to hear back.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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