COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A Columbus postal carrier suffered a fractured cheek and numerous cuts and bruises when he was attacked Thursday, NBC 4 reported.

Six similarly dressed teens attacked him, as he walked his regular route on the East Side of the city.

But despite the frenzy of a footchase followed by a beating, he was able to recognize one of his assailants and give his name to police.

Police issued a warrant for the arrest of Haisson Kadeem Woody, 15, Friday in connection with the assault.

Haisson was not in custody and his whereabouts were unknown.

Local postal officials said the mail carrier was robbed during the attack. He remains off the job, and his route was split among other carriers Friday. A spokeswoman for the local post office said he'd be off the job until next week.

Kathy Lucas also asked that Columbus residents keep an eye out for their own carriers and report anything that looks threatening to Columbus police.  

She told NBC 4 that the attack marked only the third time in 30 years that a mail carrier had been attacked while on his or her route. She expressed concern that wrong-doers might think carriers are delivering government stimulus checks and attempt to overwhelm postal workers. During the attack on Nelson, no mail was taken.

He described his attackers as wearing similar clothing: white T-shirts and red pants.

The attack began at 5313 Ivyhurst Dr. and culminated across the street.

Postal authorities indicated that if it appeared there were continued danger for postal deliverers in this area, they would consider taking the rarer step of curtailing delivery in the area.

Stay tuned to NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for more information on this developing story.

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