NASHUA, N.H. — A Massachusetts man has been taken into custody in connection with the armed robbery of a postal worker caught on camera in New Hampshire.
Baraka Janvier, 18, of Lowell, is slated to be arraigned Wednesday in Nashua Court on a charge of robbery after a USPS postal carrier was brazenly held up at gunpoint on Blacksmith Way in Nashua around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the Nashua Police Department.
Surveillance video Boston 25 obtained from a neighbor’s Ring security camera appeared to show a suspect holding a gun approaching the mail carrier at his USPS truck. The carrier is then seen raising his hands and giving something to the person. Another person can be seen approaching the back of the mail truck.
Officers who were called to the scene spoke with the victim, who alleged Janvier demanded the victim’s postal keys, which grant access to every mail dispenser in Nashua, police said.
After interviewing witnesses and reviewing the surveillance video, detectives identified multiple people of interest and the vehicle the suspect fled in.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service says they are aware of the incident and are actively involved in the investigation.
“Those keys give those people access to every mailbox in the city of Nashua,” said Nashua Police Sgt. John Cinelli. “They are going back afterwards, they are stealing checks, they are duplicating them to make fraudulent checks. Cash them through different banks in the area, they are also stealing packages.”
Near Blacksmith Way, postal carrier Ken Fantauzzi delivered mail 24 hours after the armed robbery.
He is keeping his eyes open.
“It’s a key to the city we always need to keep that. It’s kind of a shocker that somebody would just really put someone at gunpoint, just for a key,” Fantauzzi said.
Meanwhile, this violent crime has left neighbors stunned.
“When I saw the footage on television I was absolutely horrified,” said neighbor Peter Chenette.
Nashua Police say this is the first time they’ve seen armed robbers stealing postal keys.
Carrier Fantauzzi told Boston he’s getting used to a new reality and thinking about his fellow mail carrier.
“I’m thankful that he’s all right, he’s fine. As long as he’s there, he’s there for another day,” Fantauzzi said.
That vehicle was located in Lowell and Janvier was later taken into custody. Police didn’t say if any other people of interest were taken into custody.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Nashua Police Department Crime Line at 603-589-1665.
An investigation remains ongoing.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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