Officials have confirmed that a postal worker was fatally shot while carrying out her duties in Chicago on Friday.
Police reported that Octavia Redmond, a 48-year-old resident of Chicago, was shot by an unidentified assailant at approximately 11:40 PM local time. The shooter quickly fled the scene in a vehicle following the incident.
Fox 32 reported that the perpetrator possibly followed Redmond before launching the fatal attack. On Saturday, the assailant’s white Dodge Durango was found burned.
For approximately two years, Redmond had been responsible for delivering mail along the block where she was tragically shot.
Meda Robinson, a witness who is 68 years old, was inside her home when she heard about 10 gunshots. Robinson mentioned that she had previously had conversations with Redmond.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Robinson expressed his disbelief and sorrow over the tragic incident. He spoke highly of the victim, describing her as a kind and lovely person. He couldn’t fathom why someone would attack her in such a brutal manner.
As of now, it is unclear what prompted the attack and authorities have not made any arrests.
According to spokesperson Michael Martel, the US Postal inspectors are working in collaboration with the police to investigate the incident. In an effort to bring the attacker to justice, a reward of $250,000 has been offered for any information that leads to their arrest and conviction.
On Saturday, US Representative Jonathan Jackson issued a statement urging law enforcement agencies to hold a summit to address the alarming issue of postal workers being assaulted or killed while on duty. Jackson highlighted the urgency of this crisis and emphasized the need for immediate action to protect the safety of postal workers.
Jackson stated that Redmond was not just an employee, but also a wife, mother, grandmother, and a valuable member of the community who was carrying out her daily duties to ensure the betterment of the city for everyone.
Jackson wrote that it is crucial to support the Redmond family and take prompt measures to ensure the safety of postal workers in Chicago.
The rise in crimes against postal workers has caused significant concern lately. Despite USPS’s promise of a crackdown, the number of postal carriers robbed in 2023 increased from the previous year, and the number of injuries almost doubled.
Postal worker injuries have nearly doubled in number.
In May, CCTV captured an armed robbery of a postal worker in California. Additionally, just last month, a postal worker in Pennsylvania required 16 stitches after being attacked by a dog.