An investigation is underway after the brother of former NFL star Pat Tillman was arrested in connection to a fiery crash at a San Jose post office.
Here’s what we know about the incident and how U.S. Postal Service is impacted in the area.
Brother of former NFL star Pat Tillman arrested
Richard Tillman was arrested early Sunday following a crash and fire at a post office in the 6500 block of Crown Boulevard, according to San Jose police.
The 44-year-old San Jose resident was booked for arson, police said, adding the motive of the crash and subsequent fire is under investigation.
According to the Santa Clara County Sheriff Office’s inmate locator, Richard Tillman was booked Sunday and is being held without bail. He’s due in court on Wednesday.
What are police saying about the Tillman incident?
Police said the U.S. Postal Inspector has taken over the investigation.
San Jose police said the crash happened around 3 a.m. Sunday. When officers arrived, SJPD said they discovered a vehicle had been driven into the post office and caught fire, causing the entire building to go up in flames.
No injuries were reported.
Who is Pat Tillman?
Pat Tillman was the NFL star who passed up a lucrative football contract to serve his country in Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire in 2004 while serving as an Army ranger. He grew up in San Jose, played football at Arizona State, and went on to a celebrated NFL career.
Tillman family releases statement
The Tillman family released the following statement on Monday:
“Our family is aware that my brother Richard has been arrested. First and foremost, we are relieved that no one was physically harmed.
We have limited information at this time but we are in communication with local authorities and are providing as much background and context as we can.
To be clear, it’s no secret that Richard has been battling severe mental health issues for many years. He has been livestreaming, what I’ll call, his altered self on social media for anyone to witness. Unfortunately, securing the proper care and support for him has proven incredibly difficult – or rather, impossible. As a result, none of this is as shocking as it should be.
We have nothing further to add at this time.”
How is mail service impacted by the fiery crash at the San Jose post office?
USPS said retail and delivery will resume as soon as it is safe, but customers and residents should expect delays.
The postal service says customers with PO boxes and notice-left mail normally serviced by the Almaden station can pick up mail at the Willow Glen post office at 1750 Meridian Ave.
Pick up will begin Tuesday and customers will need to provide photo ID, according to the postal service.
The postal inspector said the contents of more than 900 PO boxes were likely destroyed in the fire.
“The building is described to me as a total loss,” U.S. Postal Inspector Matthew Norfleet said. “The damage is extensive.”
Here’s how to file a case with USPS if mail service impacted
USPS said any Almaden Valley customer who feels they may have mail or packages impacted by the fire are encouraged to file a case online at usps.com for further review and support of the impacted item.
Customers may also file a temporary forward online or purchase stamps and other retail products at usps.com.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation we appreciate the patience of our customers as we prioritize the safety of our employees and customers,” USPS said in a statement to NBC Bay Area. “We apologize for any inconvenience and our staff are working diligently to provide consistent service after this very unfortunate event.”
Source: NBC Bay Area
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