US Postal Service mailbox blown up in Oakland

(KRON) — A U.S. Postal Service collection box was blown up by an unidentified explosive device near the intersection of Greenly Drive and Circle Hill Drive in Oakland on July 11.

USPS Postal Inspector Jonathan Lanning told KRON4 that it’s unclear if someone intentionally placed an explosive inside the collection box.

“Use of an explosive device is a federal crime and placing one whether intentional or unintentional in the mail jeopardizes the safety of USPS postal employees and our customers,” Lanning said.

class="wp-block-image size-large">

No one was injured and no mail was damaged in the explosion. No other collection boxes were damaged by explosions in the area. If someone is convicted of blowing up the mailbox, they could face 10 or more years in prison, Lanning said.

The Oakland Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service responded to the explosion. The case remains under investigation.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service offers rewards of up to $250,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspected criminals.