Robbers Target 2 Metro Area Letter Carriers In 3 Days

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service said two USPS letter carriers were targeted by robbers in three days in the metro area, prompting the agency to offer up to $50,000 in reward money per case.

The USPIS said on Monday at about 2:45 p.m., a suspect with a knife tried to rob a letter carrier on the 100 block of South Sherry Avenue in Norman. The suspect fled in a crimson Mercury Milan.

The suspect was described as a slender black male, about 5 feet 9 inches, and in his mid 20s, according to the USPIS. He was wearing a black beanie, a red bandanna covering his face, and a gray hoodie.

On Wednesday at about 10:30 a.m., someone committed an armed robbery on another USPS letter carrier on the 1900 block of Kickingbird Road in Edmond, said the USPIS. The suspect was described as a slender black male, about 5 foot 10 inches, and in his early 20s. He was wearing a black beanie, a black face mask, black hoodie, and dark green pants with a thin black strip down the legs.

"We are looking for that overlap to see if they are related. There is that possibility," Postal Inspector Paul Ecker said. "But we are investigating both incidents thoroughly as a standalone offense."

Ecker said the two letter carriers were not hurt. Although Ecker would not comment specifically on what was stolen, he said generally, thieves "are targeting a variety of items."

"It could be any of our postal assets, the equipment that our carriers are using - up to and including their personal cell phones and wallets," said Ecker.

Ecker said robbing a postal officer or carrier can result in up to 25 years in prison. More prison time can be added depending on the circumstances.

"The stealing of even a single piece of mail can result in five years imprisonment on its own," Ecker said.

The USPIS urged anyone with information on the two cases to call the agency at 1-877-876-2455 ( and say, "law enforcement,” when prompted). The reference number for the Norman case is 3961627. The reference number for the Edmond case is 3962608. People can also make a report on the USPIS website. 

The USPIS is offering a reward of up to $50,000 in each case for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

"The Postal Inspectors are going to work with our federal and local law enforcement partners and we will pursue these to the end," said Ecker.

The USPIS advised people to avoid trying to catch the suspect(s) on their own.