Watch CBS News

Postal Worker Shot Dead, Suspect On The Run

NORTH MIAMI-DADE (CBS4) - Miami-Dade Police are searching for a man who fatally gunned down a postal worker and fled in the victim's mail truck.

Police say postal employee Bruce Parton, 60, had been shot twice by an unknown assailant just before 3 p.m. Monday on the 400 block of Northwest 165 Street in North Miami-Dade County.

Despite paramedics best efforts to save his life he didn't make it. Just a few blocks away from the shooting, police found Parton's delivery truck abandoned. The killer took off running. Somehow he eluded dozens of federal agents and police officers.

"He wasn't doing nothing but filling but filling mailboxes," said witness Justin Wilcox. "It wasn't like he's bothering somebody. He's just doing his everyday job. And now he's gone."

Miami-Dade Police Lt. Cordero-Stuz says they suspect was wearing a red jacket with a black t-shirt underneath. The suspect also has long dreads in his hair.

Police do not have a motive for the deadly shooting.

Residents who lived on Parton's route say he was well liked.

"He was a sweet man. Spoke to you everyday," said resident Kim Harris. "He was very polite. I don't see why they would have done that to him.  He was a sweetheart."

Police are now combing over all of the evidence, including Parton's delivery truck, hoping to find something that will bring a killer to justice.

Wilcox hopes they find him "The holidays coming and family. I don't wish anything on anybody. But I hope they catch him. I hope they catch him."

A $25,000 reward is being offered by the U.S. Postal Service. Anyone with information is urged to call the Postal Inspection Service Hotline at (888) 876-5322 or Miami-Dade Crimestoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.