MPD searching for USPS employee accused of assaulting supervisor

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - Memphis police issued a 'be on the lookout' (BOLO) alert for a man they said beat his supervisor at the USPS Post Office with a chair.

Police said Richard L. Martin, 59, beat his supervisor while he was at work.

The victim told police Martin went into her office and started screaming racial slurs and began punching her. The victim said when she fell to the floor, Martin began hitting her with a chair.

She was taken to the hospital in non-critical condition with an eye injury.

Officials said Martin has no history of violence in the work place. Martin is a veteran and has a diagnosed mental illness.

Officers and staff at the Post Office believe Martin might return to cause a disturbance and injure someone.

"He's a good person," coworker Cora Haywood said. "He really is, but some people can't handle stress."

Hawyood said she worked with Martin at USPS for years.

"I'm just so sorry," Haywood said. "He had enough years he could have retired; I wish he would have walked away. Even if he just walked off, you could have faced consequences for walking off the job but that could have been handled. This is far more serious."

Despite this, Haywood thinks Martin should turn himself in.

"Richard is a very smart person. I think he knows what he needs to do. I just pray he will make the right decision. I pray that for him."

Martin is described as a white man, 5'8" tall and 147 pounds.

Police said Martin drives a blue 2011 Honda Accord with Tennessee license plate number C97-68L.

If you see Martin, you are encouraged to call the Memphis Police Department at (901) 545-2677 or the Postal Police at (901) 330-5223.

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