August 15, 2025 | Greenfield, IL
A local postman is recovering after being attacked by a Rottweiler while delivering mail in a residential neighborhood on Thursday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to witnesses, the incident occurred around 10:30 AM on Oakwood Drive, when the dog reportedly escaped through a partially open gate and lunged at the mail carrier, identified as 42-year-old Thomas Reyes.
“He was just doing his rounds like always, and then suddenly the dog was on him,” said neighbor Linda Carson, who witnessed the event from her front porch. “It was scary. The dog was big and aggressive.”
Reyes sustained bite wounds to his leg and arm before a resident was able to restrain the dog. He was treated on the scene by paramedics and later transported to Greenfield General Hospital, where he is in stable condition.
Animal Control officers responded to the scene shortly after and have taken the dog into custody pending further investigation. The Rottweiler’s owner, who has not been named, may face citations or charges depending on the outcome of the inquiry.
Postal officials have issued a statement reminding residents to secure their pets and expressed relief that the injuries were not life-threatening.
“This is an unfortunate reminder of the hazards our mail carriers face every day,” the statement read. “We ask all pet owners to take proper precautions to prevent incidents like this.”
The investigation is ongoing.
