DETROIT, Michigan — Four men are facing federal charges after a violent encounter involving a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier on Detroit’s east side left the worker with a serious head injury.
Michael Grayse, Kyron Grayse, Daquan Hare and Randy Parker-Smith have been charged in connection with the October 7 incident on Joann Street. Federal court documents allege that the group attacked the mail carrier during an encounter that escalated into violence and involved a firearm.
According to an affidavit filed with the criminal complaint, the mail carrier was walking along Joann Street while delivering mail when several people approached him and allegedly attempted to rob him at gunpoint. After he refused to hand over his belongings, the group reportedly punched and kicked him until he fell to the ground.
During the assault, one of the individuals allegedly fired a single shot. Investigators said the bullet appeared to graze the top of the worker’s head, leaving a large cut and causing heavy bleeding. The group then fled the scene.
Federal Investigation Uncovered Additional Evidence
The case developed after officers responded to reports of gunfire and an injured postal worker. Early police updates indicated that the victim had suffered a laceration and that no one had been struck by gunfire. However, details in the subsequent federal court affidavit indicated that the worker may have been grazed by the bullet.
Investigators recovered a set of car keys near the scene that were later linked to a Chevrolet Malibu registered to Kyron Grayse. A handgun was also recovered approximately one block from where the attack allegedly occurred.
Witness information helped investigators identify potential suspects. A girl who was outside on Joann Street reportedly told an investigator that she saw Parker-Smith running along the street with several friends and that the group appeared to have guns.
Officers later detained Michael Grayse after seeing him leave a nearby residence. According to the affidavit, he appeared exhausted, was sweating heavily and had vegetation and burrs on his clothing.
Investigators subsequently detained Kyron Grayse, Hare and Parker-Smith at the same residence. Hare allegedly had blood on the knuckles of his right hand.
Court Documents Describe What Happened Before the Attack
During questioning, Michael Grayse reportedly told investigators that he and Kyron Grayse had been visiting friends when Kyron mentioned seeing a mail carrier he disliked while riding a minibike.
According to the affidavit, Kyron then expressed a desire to fight the worker. Michael allegedly identified Kyron, Parker-Smith, Hare and other individuals as members of the group involved in the assault.
Michael also reportedly told investigators that the individuals involved were carrying guns. In a follow-up interview, he said he had given the recovered handgun to Parker-Smith the day before the incident and alleged that Parker-Smith had the weapon tucked into his waistband during the attack.
Hare also allegedly acknowledged being at the scene and kicking the mail carrier multiple times. He reportedly told investigators that Michael Grayse was present and had also assaulted the worker.
These accounts form part of the allegations outlined in the federal court documents. The charges have not been proven in court.
Four Men Face Federal Court Proceedings
The four defendants face federal charges connected to the alleged assault on a federal employee and the discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.
The case highlights the risks postal employees can face while carrying out routine delivery duties in residential neighborhoods. Mail carriers regularly travel on foot and make stops throughout their assigned routes, sometimes working alone.
The defendants are scheduled for detention hearings on October 16, according to federal court records. The hearings will address whether they should remain in custody as the case proceeds.
All four defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
