Shawnee man struck and robbed while checking his post office box

Fritz Anderson, 83, was hospitalized Monday at Shawnee Unity Health Center for injuries he received in the attack on Sunday, Shawnee Police Chief Russell Frantz said.

Anderson was released Monday in good condition, said his daughter, Valerie Anderson.

“It could have killed a more frail man,” Valerie Anderson said.

“My dad doesn't have an enemy in the world. I can't believe this happened to him, and such a random act of violence.”

Frantz said Fritz Anderson was struck in the back of the head and had numerous cuts to his hands.

Anderson was in the lobby of the post office in downtown Shawnee about 1:30 p.m. checking his post office box when he was hit from behind.

His wallet and money clip were stolen, and a robber tried to pry a ring off his finger, Frantz said.

There are no employees at the post office on Sundays, and the surveillance camera in the lobby was not operating at the time, police reported.

Someone found Fritz Anderson unconscious on the floor and called 911, Valerie Anderson said.

Fritz Anderson is retired from Tinker Air Force Base, but is a curator at the Shawnee Schools Alumni Museum and an active volunteer in organizations throughout the city.

Members of the Shawnee Fire Department bought the man a new coat, because his was bloodied in the attack.

Frantz said the robbery has not been tied to others. He said crimes like robbery and burglary increase during the holiday season, and people should be on alert and extra cautious.