Central Mall Events

Dear Readers,

On April 29, my Grandmother was robbed and possibly "punched" inside Central Mall near Target. Before everyone starts calling and emailing me that she wasn't "punched" let me say this...nobody really knows what truly happened that morning. Let me explain...the surveillance cameras that caught the robbery take place was extremely blurry. There is no way anybody can clearly see what exactly happened. The only person who knows what happened is my grandmother and the criminal. Period. When we arrived after we got the call, we noticed blood was dried up in her mouth, was on her clothes and on the floor.

Since the incident, security has been increased significantly. I'm not going to comment on what all has been increased at the mall concerning security but there's a change and all of the workers and tenants greatly appreciate it.

On Monday Central Mall Vice President/General Manager held a Press Conference in regards to "rumors" that were circulated regarding incidents inside the Mall.

VP/General Mall of Central Mall Comments:
"What we had here were random acts of violence," Robert Harkins, general manager and vice president of Central mall said in reference to a purse snatching that occurred Sunday, April 29, that left 81-year old Jessie Ortiz with a busted lip. (Port Arthur News)

Mrs. Ortiz had more than a busted lip. Her right arm was bruised. Her right side of her face was bruised badly, had a busted lip, several blisters inside her mouth from the busted lip. So, it wasn't just a busted lip as mentioned.


Police Chief Comments:
However, Blanton said the rumors on the severity of the attacks at the mall are "totally incorrect" and that Ortiz was "not maliciously beaten" as rumors have stated.
"These rumors are false and we felt we had an obligation to clarify the facts," the police chief said. "We share the concerns of the community." (Port Arthur News)

According to police, the email claimed an elderly woman had been beaten viciously outside the Target shopping center in Central Mall. (KFDM-TV)

To my knowledge, no email stated Mrs. Ortiz was "maliciously beaten" or "viciously beaten". The word "punched" was used in an email that was distributed. Mrs. Ortiz has stated in a statement to the Port Arthur Police Department that she felt like she was punched.

In conclusion, I have all the faith in the world in Mall Security. Central mall is a safe place to shop and fellowship, which is why my family still shops and walks there today. The acts of violence were random and can happen anywhere. Central Mall representives have done their best to be proactive and deal with situations that may arise.