Mailman Shot at While Making His Rounds in Kendall

KENDALL, FL— A U.S. mailman came under fire on Thursday when he witnessed two burglary suspects attempting to make their getaway while making his regular rounds in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood.

The mailman, identified as Felix Carmona, was not injured in the 11 a.m. incident but he may be in line for a much larger holiday tip than in previous years from residents of the 9300 block of SW 92 Street.

"He heard the alarm go off but didn't really think much of it," a representative of the U.S. Postal Service told a TV news crew at the scene. "The two gentlemen that he had witnessed jump over the side of the fence and run into a vehicle and take off, were right in front of him. He also witnessed the passenger extend half of his body outside the vehicle, turn around and take a shot at him."

Detective Daniel Ferrin of the Miami-Dade Police Department said that police are looking for a black SUV with possible damage to the driver's side rear bumper.

The suspects were described as thin African-American males, about 6 feet tall. One was wearing a black hoodie while the other was wearing a brown hoodie.

Shooting at the mailman may elevate the incident to a federal offense, according to the postal representative.

"While he was conducting his official duties, he became the intended target," the representative told the television crew.

Police said that two laptops were taken from the home.

Detective Marjoie Eloi of the Miami-Dade Police Department told Patch that the mailman saw the two suspects running from the home and hopping into the SUV.

That's when the mailman attempted to follow them.

"I always tell anyone not to approach anybody but to call the police," she told Patch. "Unfortunately, as he was trying to do the right thing these guys brazenly shot at him. Thankfully, he wasn't shot. But you never want to put your life at risk. Property can be replaced."

Photo by Bradley Gordon via Flickr