Postal Shooter Pleads Guilty To Using A Gun To Attempt To Assault Two Postal Employees

Montgomery, Alabama - Arthur Lee Darby, Jr., 30, of Montgomery, pled guilty yesterday to attempted assault of two postal employees with a gun, discharging a gun during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm in a federal facility, announced George L. Beck, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.

On December 1, 2011, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Darby, a part-time mail handler at the Main Post Office located at 6701 Winton Blount Boulevard in Montgomery went to work and opened fire on two postal employees. Fortunately, no one was shot.

“Our community will not stand for someone coming into a public place, including a post office, and shooting a gun around innocent people,” stated U.S. Attorney, George L. Beck, Jr.. “People have the right to be safe in their workplace and this man endangered the lives of all of the postal workers who were simply doing their jobs. My office will continue to work hard to keep those criminals who endanger people’s lives off of our streets.”

“One of the key tenets of the Postal Inspection Service’s mission is to provide a safe working environment for Postal Service employees through its criminal investigative efforts,” stated Keith Morris, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “This case demonstrates that workplace violence can occur anywhere and at any time. We are extremely fortunate that this incident did not end in tragedy for one or more of our employees, despite the true intentions of Mr. Darby. Yesterday’s guilty plea is yet another testament to the dedication that the Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our local law enforcement partners have to ensuring that the Postal Service and its employees are free from violence.”

A sentencing date has yet to be set. However, Darby faces a possible sentence of life in prison when sentenced.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service and the Montgomery Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Redmond.

PRESS CONTACT: Clark Morris
Email: usaalm.press@usdoj.gov
Telephone: (334) 551-1755
Fax: (334) 223-7617