CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A female mail carrier was shot and critically wounded by stray gunfire Thursday morning in the Burnside neighborhood, according to city officials.
According to Chicago police, the 24-year-old woman was delivering mail in the 9100 block of South Ellis Avenue when gunfire erupted from inside at least two vehicles speeding past.
She was struck in each leg and in the back of her head, police said. One gunshot entered her buttocks and ricocheted to her abdomen, CPD spokeswoman Karie James said.
Paramedics responded at about 11:40 a.m. and took her to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, police said.
According to James, the woman was working when she was shot.
Police believe she was not the intended target, the Sun-Times reported.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service spokeswoman Sylvia Carrier also confirmed the woman was an on-duty USPS employee.
The USPIS is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.