Postal workers fear for safety

SAGINAW (WJRT) -- (02/28/08)--A United States postal worker is fearing for her safety after a BB gun hit the back of her head.

Police say three teens started shooting from an abandoned home on South Harrison in the city of Saginaw Tuesday afternoon.

Investigators arrested the trio and confiscated two BB guns.

Nina Swan is a nine-year veteran. She was delivering mail on the city's west side when police say three teens pulled out a BB gun and started to shoot.

The postmaster says what has changed over the years is that violence on the job used to be a rare occurrence. It's now happening much more frequently.

One pellet hit the back of Swan's head. Mail officials say no longer are carriers at the wrong place at the wrong time. Instead it appears they have become targets of violence.

That, they say, is what's most disturbing. Swan is obviously shaken up with minor injuries. Swan heard the teens break the window of an abandoned home to gain access. Then they started to shoot.

This isn't the first time Swan has encountered violence on the job.

The postmaster says rocks have been thrown through her vehicle windshield, and that a pit bull bit her last summer. On several occasions, she says customers confront carriers if they don't deliver specific mail.

All of this has left some carriers not wanting to work particular routes.

Violence involving a mail carrier is a federal offense. The postmaster says mail service will be stopped when incidents like this one happen.

They will resume service when they feel safe again.

Get more Local »

local, kristen abraham

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•