Bee Spring Post Office Robbed At Gunpoint: Employee OK

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office investigates an armed robbery at the Bee Spring Post Office.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
The Bee Spring Post Office was robbed at gunpoint around 9:20am today by a man that is now on the run and wanted by law enforcement officials, according to authorities.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's office said that a post office employee was exiting a side door of the post office with a mail cart when she was met by a man who forced her back into the building at gunpoint and demanded money. The robber made off with an undisclosed amount of cash, change, money orders, and stamps.

Kathy Miller, a Rocky Hill resident who is a two-year employee of the post office said she greatly feared for her life. 

"I'm alive, and that's the main thing," she said, visibly shaken. "I'm glad I'm ok. I didn't think I'd live to see tomorrow."

Caution tape was placed around the perimeter of the post office during the initial investigation.

The Sheriff's Office is looking for a white male with brown hair around 6'0 tall and 200lbs, who was wearing a black ball cap pulled over his ears and a dark colored shirt, zipped up to the neck. He was wearing dark sunglasses and black gloves.

Officials reported that Ms. Miller said the robber held the semi-automatic pistol in his right hand, indicating that he would be right-handed.

Law enforcement officials are looking for a burgundy, full size, late 90's to early 2000's Ford cargo-style van that had been seen in the area for the last three days. Although the van was not directly seen during the robbery, the driver, who was described as a heavy set man with a white beard, is wanted for questioning. Postal employees said it appeared the man sat in the van in the parking lot on more than one occasion as he used a smartphone, either to talk on speakerphone or to film video of the area.

"If any of the surrounding neighbors have security systems that may have video footage or photos of the area during the last few days we urge you to contact dispatch at 270-597-2729," said Detective Wally Ritter.

Officials also encourage people in the area with any information regarding the van or it's owner to let them know immediately.

Postmaster Sheri Stockdale said that while she couldn't give an official statement without authority of U.S. Postal Service Media Relations, she did say that no mail was stolen and no personal information was compromised. The post office will also be closed until further notice.

"This was a quick and coordinated event," said Det. Ritter. "This wasn't a random robbery that someone decided to do today."

The investigation is still ongoing by the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office. The U.S. Postal Inspector had been contacted and was reported to be en route to the scene.