Crime & Safety

Reward Offered in Postal Worker Slaying, Employees Blame Budget Cuts for Danger

A Maryland post office employee was gunned down Saturday night while working on his route. Authorities are offering a reward to lead to an arrest in the case.

Rewards totalling $125,000 have been offered for information that leads to a conviction in the case of a postal worker who was gunned down Saturday night while delivering mail in Prince George's County, according to wusa9.com.

Tyson Barnette, 26, of Upper Marlboro was on his mail route in the 1600 block of Reed Street in Landover, around 7:30 p.m. Saturday when police say he was shot multiple times, the TV station reports. His body was found near the intersection of Reed Street and Jutewood Avenue, which is just south of the Cheverly Metro stop.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering $100,000 for information that leads to an arrest in Barnette's death, said WTOP.com.

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Prince George's County Police is offering $25,000 to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case, the radio station said.

The National Association of Letter Carriers says due to staffing cuts, many postal workers are working longer hours into later in the day, according to an ABC 7 report. Carriers told the TV station that understaffed offices have forced employees to work after dark in unsafe areas without sidewalks or adequate lighting.

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Anyone with information related to this crime should contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 or Prince George's County Police at 301-772- 4925. All information will be kept confidential.

Callers who want to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text "PGPD plus your message" to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.


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