An employee of the United States Postal Service (USPS), Jonte Davis, was fatally shot on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Warren, Ohio, a city about 60 miles southeast of Cleveland. Davis, 33, was shot in his van while performing his postal duties.
Emergency services received a call at approximately 1:44 p.m. They arrived at Olive Avenue to find Davis critically injured from gunshot wounds.
First aid was provided on the scene by officers before Davis was transported to Trumbull Regional Medical Center. Despite the medical team’s best efforts, Davis succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
According to the Warren Police Department (WPD), the attack on Davis seems to be a targeted one. There are indications that Davis and the shooter might have known each other.
Based on a 911 call from a local resident, a gray pickup truck was reported to have passed Davis’ postal vehicle, firing four to five shots before speeding towards Washington Street and North Park Avenue. Another 911 call suggested that Davis’ vehicle had veered off the road and into a nearby yard following the shooting.
The WPD, alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation and USPS Postal Inspectors, found the alleged shooter’s vehicle on Maryland Ave NE. A search of the premises, conducted with the assistance of the Mahoning Valley Crisis Response Team, led to several individuals being taken in for questioning, according to a press release.
The WPD has yet to make any arrests in connection with the incident. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has cautioned that the suspect is likely armed and dangerous.
Warren Mayor Doug Franklin expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and assured the public that law enforcement is diligently working to apprehend those responsible.
A family friend of Davis revealed to the media that the deceased is survived by 10 children, aged from three to 14, who are grappling with this tragic loss.
A vigil was held Thursday, March 7, at 6:00 p.m. at the Warren post office. Attendees were asked to wear green, a color Davis was particularly fond of.
“He was always a beacon of positivity and deeply dedicated to his family. He held his mother and brother in high esteem and aimed to be a role model for his children by leading a life of integrity,” the family friend said.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist Davis’ family, with donations being accepted. Larry Davis, Jonte’s brother, paid tribute to him on the fundraising page. He described Jonte as a gentle soul who was greatly respected by his colleagues at the post office and was a loving father to his children.
The funds raised will be used to cover Jonte’s funeral expenses and provide support to his family during this difficult time.
Meanwhile, the USPS is offering a reward of $250,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this crime.
“The safety and security of postal workers remain a priority for the Postal Inspection Service. We are committed to working with law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served,” said Ian Ortega, a USPS postal Inspector from the Cleveland Office.
