COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA)-- The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a $20,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest for the shooting and armed robbery of a letter carrier in Columbus Thursday afternoon.
It happened on Applewood Drive near Williams Roberts Road.
The shooter is still at large, according to investigators.
Lowndes County authorities say the incident occured at Providence Place housing complex at a mail drop-off area just inside the complex gate.
That's where authorities say an unidentified mail carrier was approached by a man who demanded money.
Moments later, the man shot the letter carrier and fled the scene, according to investigators.
Deputies were out and about searching for clues and tips Thursday evening.
Federal authorities with the U.S. Postal Serivice were also in Columbus investigating this crime.
"It's possible that there is more than one subject," said Susan Link of the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Her agency and the Lowndes County Sheriff's Department are investigating the shooting and armed robbery.
"The suspect is said to be in his twenties, a black male, approximately six-feet tall and an unknown weight," said Link.
Link says there is no vehicle description at this time.
The letter carrier is in critical condition at the Baptist-Memorial Golden Triangle Hospital.
Link says the incident is baffling because mail carriers are instructed to not carry large amounts of cash.
Authorities say the shooter may still be in the area.
Lowndes Coutny authorities are increasing patrols and urging residents to call 911 if they hear or see anything suspicious.
You can contact the Lowndes County Sheriff's Department or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455.
