KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Update (12/11): The Knoxville Police Department identified a suspect wanted in connection to a carjacking involving a postal service worker.
Police said Kemian Strawder, 18, is suspected of carjacking, aggravated assault and weapons charges after a postal service worker was carjacked at gunpoint on Dec. 6.
KPD said Strawder was a juvenile at the time of the crime and is being charged on juvenile petitions. Police are still trying to find him and identify a second suspect believed to be involved.
"Anyone with info regarding Strawder’s whereabouts is urged to contact @tn_crime at 865-215-7165. Tipsters can remain anonymous. Strawder should be considered armed and dangerous," KPD said.
Detectives said they suspect the two were trying to steal packages and anything of value inside the truck. They later found the truck abandoned on Cityview Avenue along with one of the suspects. The suspect was able to get away from police in the Chester Avenue area.
Original Story (12/6):
The Knoxville Police Department is investigating after a postal service worker was carjacked on Wednesday morning.
After 10 a.m., KPD responded to a call regarding a carjacking that allegedly occurred in the 2200 block of Dandridge Avenue. After arriving on the scene, a USPS driver reported that he was held at gunpoint by two unidentified men.
One of the suspects drove away in the USPS truck, while the other drove away in a white Toyota, KPD said.
About an hour later, officers searched the area and found the stolen USPS truck, along with one of the suspects in a vacant lot off Cityview Avenue. KPD said the armed suspect ran from officers, who eventually lost sight of him in the Chester Avenue area.
Officers also found the white Toyota suspect vehicle abandoned on Cityview Avenue. The second suspect had left the scene, potentially fleeing into the area of Walter P., according to KPD.
Detectives say they have a suspicion the motive was to steal a package and anything of value.
Matt Haggard, President of the National Association of Letter Carriers union in Knoxville, said that as more people buy products online, more carriers are having to deliver packages. He said it can make mail carriers a target.
"Now we're carrying more packages. So it is a danger. It truly is," Haggard said.
He said this is an example of a growing trend happening nationally.
"Your postal carrier is not somebody they normally target. But in the last few years, they have been," Haggard said. "They're starting to target mail carriers."
At this time, KPD is searching for the suspects who were described as Black males wearing masks. A spokesperson said detectives suspect the suspects were motivated to steal packages and "anything else of value" from the truck.
The mail carrier was not reported injured, according to officials.
Anyone with information can contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible to receive a cash reward.