In a shocking incident that took place earlier this week, a United States Post Office in Orange County fell victim to a daring daylight heist. The entire incident was caught on camera, revealing the audacity of the thieves who went to great lengths to make their escape with a significant amount of mail. In their reckless attempt to flee the scene, the criminals even endangered the life of a postal worker, narrowly avoiding a collision.
A video captured on a cellphone and shared on Instagram depicts a group of thieves attempting to flee the post office parking lot in Fullerton. The incident unfolded as a female postal worker bravely stood in their path, determined to prevent their escape.
In a shocking incident, the driver relentlessly pursued the postal worker, ultimately forcing her into the street. As they swiftly exited the parking lot, the driver callously left the scene, leaving the injured worker behind.
“According to Fullerton Police Department Sgt. Ryan O’Neil, the suspects were spotted at the rear dock of the post office. They allegedly took one of the bins from the dock and tried to make their escape,” reported KTLA’s John Fenoglio.
According to Sgt. O’Neil, a group of three males reportedly seized a crate containing a large quantity of mail at approximately 4 p.m. on January 23. A video of the incident was captured by a bystander and quickly gained popularity on social media. Meanwhile, concerned individuals promptly dialed emergency services.
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“In response to the incident, a police officer noticed a vehicle that matched the given description and proceeded to pull it over at the intersection of Raymond and Orangethorpe,” stated Sergeant O’Neil. Three men were arrested by the police during a traffic stop after they were found with a bin full of mail. The charges against them include robbery, mail theft, and assault with a deadly weapon.
“We are collaborating with our partners at the postal service and their investigators,” O’Neil stated. “Efforts are underway to address the charges at the local level, while simultaneous attention is being given to the potential federal charges.”
Authorities are currently investigating whether the individuals involved in the incident had prior knowledge of the post office or if the situation was a spontaneous act of criminality. Mail theft is considered a federal crime and can result in a prison sentence of up to five years, along with a fine of up to $250,000. The case is now being handled by investigators from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
