United States Postal Service carrier incidents reported throughout City of Kimball

Late last week, reports of a United States Postal Service mail carrier using his issued pepper spray surfaced in Kimball on social media outlets, prompting outrage amongst local residents.

Although several unconfirmed reports of incidents surfaced, only one of the reports could be confirmed by an eyewitness.

According to Kimball resident Amanda Bartow, on Thursday, August 29, her six-year old son and their lab puppy were sitting outside on the family’s front step when the mail carrier arrived.

“I just happened to be looking out the front door when I saw the mailman come around our bush, which startled the dog and Libby barked at him,” said Bartow. “She did not attack him and did nothing but bark at him. Next thing I know, the mailman is saying, “(Expletive) dog,” and spraying her with pepper spray.”

Bartow went on to describe what happened next; her son was sprayed, as well.

“My six-year old son was sitting right next to her and luckily, he started to move and the pepper spray just got his arm and clothes,” Bartow said.

Bartow claims she confronted the carrier, and also spoke to the Kimball Postmaster, Jessica Bergen, about the incident. She was then informed that using pepper spray is what carriers are trained to do when confronted with a vicious dog.

“You are not trained to spray children with pepper spray,” said Bartow on Facebook. “I agree if vicious dogs are attacking you of their yard, but my dog and son were in my yard doing nothing wrong.”

Richard A. Watkins, a USPS public relations official for the region, clarified the policy laid forth to employees concerning pepper spray in a phone call with the Western Nebraska Observer.

“They’re given pepper spray as a precaution for aggressive dogs,” said Watkins. “It doesn’t mean they’re to use it indiscriminately. It’s there for their protection. They’re taught to use their satchel to protect themselves, to not look the dog in the eyes. But as a last resort, if the dog attacks, they have that can of pepper spray there.”

Watkins went on to say that the story offered by the carrier was quite different.

According to the carrier, after delivering the Bartow family’s mail, he headed to the neighbors’ house. Then, the young boy came out of the house, following the carrier to inquire about a package. The door reportedly did not latch and the dog headed towards the carrier.

When the carrier saw the dog running towards him, he sprayed the dog “between the eyes,” according to Watkins.

At this point, the carrier claims the child was roughly six feet away, and approached the carrier, inquiring about what was sprayed at the dog, when the animal got up and charged again. The carrier then responded with a second dose of pepper spray.

The carrier also denied the report that he uttered any curse words during the incident.

“That pepper spray is a last resort, so our carrier can get to safety,” said Watkins.

Several other local residents say that they have had delivery services halted or altogether stopped due to concerns over their dogs, but, at this time, there were no more confirmed cases.

Local authorities were contacted shortly after the incident took place, and City of Kimball Police Chief Darren Huff was made aware of the situation.

“That incident is under investigation by Sgt. Justin Trout,” said Huff.

No further information was disclosed by the Kimball Police Department at the time of the press.

Sgt. Trout was unavailable for comment at the time, as well.