July 1, 2025 MIDWOOD, Brooklyn – A dramatic crime spree across Brooklyn concluded Monday with the arrest of a suspect accused of firing shots inside a Midwood Post Office and attempting to rob a check-cashing business, thanks to the quick thinking and bravery of a civilian. While the incidents sent shockwaves through the community, remarkably, no one was injured during the violent encounters.

The chaos began around 1:15 p.m. at the Midwood Post Office. Police say the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Travis Towler, entered the post office and demanded money from the clerk. Instead of pointing his weapon at the employee, Towler reportedly held a gun to the back of a 37-year-old customer standing at the counter. A witness recounted the customer’s piercing scream as the terrifying situation unfolded. As Towler fled the scene, he fired multiple shots, though fortunately, none struck anyone. He then made his escape on a black moped, heading northbound on Coney Island Avenue.

From Post Office Panic to East Flatbush Face-Off

Detectives quickly connected the post office shooting to a subsequent attempted robbery at a check-cashing business approximately two and a half miles away on Utica Avenue in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn. The description of the suspect from both incidents matched.

Inside the check-cashing store, a customer, who wished to remain anonymous, described a harrowing scene. He was waiting to cash a check when the alleged robber demanded money from employees, threatening to kill everyone inside if his demands weren't met. "At the moment, I felt I said this is my life. I'm going to die. When he said I'm going to kill everybody inside if you don't give me the money," the customer recalled.

In a pivotal moment, the robber reportedly attempted to use his gun to break through a door to access more money. However, in doing so, the gun's magazine dislodged, spilling bullets onto the floor – a critical misstep that provided a window of opportunity.

Civilian Heroism Halts Suspect

Seizing his chance, the customer bolted from the store and into his car. The alleged robber, not giving up, chased after him on his moped. The customer recounted trying to avoid the moped, leading to a collision between his car and Towler's moped. "And I tried to avoid him, and we got in the accident," he explained.

Seconds later, as the moped attempted to maneuver around him, another crash occurred. It was at this point that the brave customer took decisive action. "After that accident, I run after him, grab him, and fight. Yeah, we fight," he stated. With the assistance of another man, the customer managed to hold the suspect until police arrived. When asked why he risked his own safety, the customer’s motivation was clear: "One day he might kill people. That's why I ran after him."

Suspect Charged, Investigation Ongoing

Police have since charged Travis Towler with a litany of offenses, including robbery, criminal mischief, criminal use of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment, and menacing. While sources indicate Towler is suspected of being the individual who fired shots at the Midwood Post Office, the investigation remains ongoing.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of crime, but also highlights the extraordinary courage of ordinary citizens who step up in the face of danger.

What are your thoughts on the customer's heroic actions? Share your comments below.