$20K reward offered in attempted robbery of USPS employee

SUN-TIMES MEDIA WIRE - Shots were fired during the attempted robbery of a U.S. Post Office employee Thursday evening in the Hyde Park neighborhood, authorities said.

About 6 p.m., a 54-year-old man who works for the post office was assaulted by a male dressed in all black in the 5400 block of South Harper, according to Chicago Police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

The robber approached the man and showed a handgun while demanding money, police said. During the attempted robbery, a 61-year-old man confronted the robber. The robber fired the gun during a struggle with the 61-year-old, striking a parked car. No injuries were reported.

The would-be robber ran west on Rochdale Place toward Blackstone after firing the gun, authorities said. He was described as a 35 to 40-year-old black man with a beard, about 6-feet-tall and 275-300 pounds.

Information and surveillance video is being sought by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police at (312) 747-8384 or postal inspectors at (312) 983-7909.