Postal worker killed in Milwaukee, reward up to $50K offered
MILWAUKEE - The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is offering a reward of up to $50,000 after a postal worker was shot and killed on Milwaukee's north side Friday, Dec. 9.
Family has identified the victim to FOX6 News as Aundre Cross. He was on the job when he was killed.
In a Saturday tweet, USPIS said the reward is for "information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) involved" in Cross' death. In that same tweet, the agency identified a suspect vehicle as a silver Audi Q5 SUV with tinted windows.
Suspect vehicle in Milwaukee postal worker shooting (Courtesy: USPIS Chicago)
The shooting happened near 65th and Lancaster just after 4:30 p.m. Friday, USPIS said. Police said Cross, 41, died at the scene. He had 18 years of service with the U.S. Postal Service.
Video from an area resident's home surveillance system on Friday captured the sound of a single gunshot before a person is seen running to a silver vehicle that starts moving as soon as the person gets there.
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Milwaukee police are leading the investigation with help from USPIS and the FBI.
MPD is looking for whoever is responsible. Anyone with information is asked to call MPD at 414-935-7360; to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or use the P3 tips app.
To contact USPIS with information, call 1-877-876-2455.
Postal worker shot and killed near 65th and Lancaster, Milwaukee
Cross remembered
Cross' niece told FOX6 News that he was a father and loving, giving man who loved going to church. Right now, the family cannot imagine who did this – and some coworkers think he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The mail carrier was celebrated in the neighborhood where he was so well-known Saturday, Dec. 10.
"Everybody knows that Dre is a father of four, everybody knows Dre is a god-fearing man, and everybody out here knows Dre loved them. We love him," said Darius Holmes, a coworker of Cross'.
Aundre Cross (photo provided by family)
One person's life touched so many others.
"Dre is the true indication of someone full of life, full of spirit, full of love," Holmes said.
The day rings emptier without the mail carrier. People along his route said Cross was a character, often heard laughing or singing gospel.
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"Anything he could do to bring people together, that’s what he’d do – and that laugh was Dre 24/7," said Holmes.
Friends and coworkers, including Holmes, filled the void left by Cross' death with a song and prayer.
"This is a true indication of what a tragic event can do: It brings us together," said Holmes.
"It’s going to be a tough hole to fill," Dave Skowronek, another of Cross' coworkers, said.