USPS letter carrier robbed at gunpoint in Melrose two weeks before retirement

MELROSE, Mass. — The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $50,000 to catch the armed suspects who robbed a letter carrier in Melrose.

Neighbors told Boston 25 News that the letter carrier who was robbed at gunpoint is just two weeks away from retirement.

It happened on Saturday afternoon around 3 p.m. on Orchard Lane.

Surveillance video from a neighbor’s security camera shows the letter carrier delivering mail before she was robbed.

The two suspects are seen passing by the security camera and then are shown running back out of the neighborhood about 15 minutes later.

The two suspects seen running down the street after allegedly robbing a Melrose mail carrier at gunpoint (U.S. Postal Inspection Service)

“Who’s going to rob a mail carrier?,” questioned Paul, whose camera captured the footage. “Not the type of retirement present that you want, having to go through that two weeks before your retirement.”

Investigators haven’t said what the suspects stole from the letter carrier.

The letter carrier who was filling in on her route on Monday night suspects they may have been after a master key that accesses mailboxes at area apartment complexes.

“The neighborhood has a reputation to have a lot of families and be a nice area. It’s one of those last places you’d expect,” said USPS letter carrier Justin Toussant.

Toussant said his head is now on swivel following what happened to his fellow mail carrier.

“It’s just a reminder to keep your eyes on the lookout,” he said. “It’s the holiday time, and people start getting weird and desperate.”

Armed robbery of a USPS employee is a federal offense punishable by up to 25 years in prison.

The reward of up to $50,000 is on the table for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects responsible.

Anyone with information is urged to call 1-877-876-2455, say “law enforcement” and reference case number 3927109.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2022 Cox Media Group