The female postmaster at Whiteside, Tn., in Marion County was robbed at gunpoint and held hostage for about an hour on Saturday morning.
The postmaster said a man came into the small postal building who was covered except for his eyes.
She said he demanded money, then he directed that she go with him in her vehicle.
He had her stop at a nearby creek bed, where they remained for about an hour before he told her to turn away, then he walked off.
She was able to flag down a vehicle a short time later.
Her vehicle was found near the post office.
Authorities said she was not injured.
The man was described as a white male in his 40s, about six feet tall and will bluish-green eyes. He was wearing a black hoodie and had on hiking boots.