Postal Worker Kidnapped

⏱ 2 min read

Ariel Ayala Meléndez, 59, kidnapped a US Postal Service letter carrier in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on November 25, 2025. The victim was seized at knifepoint and forced to drive to Guaynabo, where he crashed the vehicle to escape. The motive behind the kidnapping is not clear, but the incident has sent shockwaves through the community. The kidnapping occurred while the letter carrier was performing his official duties.

The defendant has been charged with kidnapping, assault on a federal employee with a dangerous weapon, robbery of a mail custodian, and carjacking. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison for the kidnapping charge. The US Attorney’s Office and the US Postal Inspection Service have vowed to hold accountable those responsible for acts of violence against federal employees.

The investigation was led by the US Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from other law enforcement agencies. The defendant made his initial court appearance before US Magistrate Judge Giselle López Soler of the US District Court for the District of Puerto Rico.

The US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, W. Stephen Muldrow, stated that violent attacks on federal employees will not be tolerated. The Inspector in Charge of the Miami Division of the US Postal Inspection Service, Bladismir Rojo, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of postal employees.