Benson, N.C. — The U.S. Postal Inspection Service offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in an armed robbery at a post office last Wednesday.

A man wearing a ski mask entered the post office, at 402 S. Market St., around 4:45 p.m., postal inspectors said.

He brandished a silver semiautomatic handgun and fired twice at a Postal Service employee, Benson police said. The robber fled with an undetermined amount of cash.

No one was injured, and no customers were in the post office when the robbery occurred.

The gunman was described as a black man, standing approximately 6 feet tall, with a medium build. He should be considered armed and dangerous. A sketch of the suspect was not available.

Robbery of U.S. post office with a dangerous weapon is a federal crime that carries a prison sentence of up to 25 years.

Established more than 200 years ago, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is one of the country's oldest federal law-enforcement agencies.

Anyone who has information about this suspect or crime should call postal inspectors toll-free at 1-877-USMAIL5 (876-2455) and select option 2, or the Benson Police Department at 919-894-3616.