USPS responds after mail truck carjacked in Salt Lake City
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Less than a day after a suspect allegedly carjacked a United States Postal Services carrier truck in Salt Lake City, officials are speaking out.
On Monday, Feb. 5, a man, who has been identified through court records as Wilber Hernandez, 32, was taken into custody after allegedly stealing a mail truck, endangering several citizens and officers while fleeing north toward Davis County. He was eventually stopped in Bountiful where he barricaded himself in the truck while armed with a knife.
Centerville Police Chief Paul Child called the scene “chaotic.”
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The United States Postal Service responded to an ABC4 request for comment saying the safety of their team is of the utmost importance.
“Unfortunately, our employee experienced a challenging situation yesterday,” a spokesman said in a statement via email. “Thankfully, the employee is safe. Local police and postal inspectors are investigating this incident.”
USPS said its primary focus is offering support to the affected employee. They will be offered counseling and assistance by USPS to help with the experience.
Hernandez was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail following the incident. According to the booking, he faces a first-degree felony charge of aggravated robbery – which carries a punishment of at least five years to life in prison if convicted.
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Hernandez also faces the possibility of federal charges as a USPS carrier truck is considered a government vehicle and the employee who was threatened is considered a government employee.
According to a booking affidavit, Hernandez allegedly admitted to police he knew the truck he was stealing belonged to the United States Postal Service. He also allegedly admitted to using a knife to threaten the employee to keep him away from the vehicle. Hernandez reportedly confirmed with police he took the carrier and drove it until he was eventually stopped.
Police said Hernandez also had several outstanding warrants for which he failed to appear to court on.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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