With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Mail Delivery To Glassell Park Street Halted After Postal Worker Nearly Struck By Bullet
The U.S Postal Service has temporarily halted delivery for residents in a section of Glassell Park after a postal worker was almost struck by a bullet last month.
CBS 2 reports that the shooting in question occurred on June 27 in the 3400 block of Drew Street. A letter carrier delivering mail on the street at the time was almost hit by a bullet. USPS suspended mail delivery to the 3300 to 3400 block of Drew Street the following day.
"Currently, these residents are being required to pick up their mail at the Glassell Park Station," USPS spokesperson Evelina B. Ramirez told LAist in an email. "We are communicating with the Los Angeles Police Department and local representatives on the situation that occurred when a USPS Letter Carrier was nearly hit by bullets at that location."
"Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of our employees while providing service to our customers. We are reviewing all options to come up with the best resolution," Ramirez continued.
Support for LAist comes from
"It was just too dangerous for our carriers to be in that area," the postal worker who answered the phone at the Glassell Park Station post office told LAist.
Drew Street has been "a hot spot of gang activity over the years," according to Eastsider LA, although crime in the area has dropped significantly in recent years.
"It used to be a very dangerous street," LAPD Sgt. Ruben Arellano of Northeast division told LAist. "It's not nearly as bad as it was back in, say, 2007 or 2008. Crime in that area has dropped dramatically," Arellano said, attributing the decline in crime to the work of a multi-agency task force.
Arellano said that Drew Street is still considered to be the territory of the Avenues gang. According to the L.A. Times, Glassell Park has been at the center of Avenues activity since the gang formed in the 1950s. In 2009, a single-family home on the 3300 block of Drew Street considered to be at the center of gang activity and drug trade in the neighborhood was demolished by the city.
According to Arellano, stopping mail delivery is an extremely rare occurrence. "This is the first time I've heard of anything like this in my career," he said. Arellano has been with the LAPD for 22 years.
Related: The Drew Street House Destroyed: Praised and Criticized
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
Best of LAist