Two recent abductions from Springfield Mall have raised concerns about security at the shopping center located near the Springfield Interchange.
One worker claimed to have seen the particular abduction suspect strolling the parking lot on Tuesday, Feb. 25 — only a few days after the second abduction. She recognized the individual from the police composite drawing and requested that her name not be used for her own safety.
"I walked up to him and asked him what he was up to," she said, and then called security. The suspect said his car was broken down. "Meanwhile I had already called security," who showed up about 10 minutes later, she said.
"He's been here before. We never see security at night. I don't want my life in danger to come to work," she said. The woman said that she did speak with Fairfax County Police about the incident.
At Celebrity Bar and Grill on the lower level at the mall, several employees’ cars had recently been broken into. Haig Pakhchanian, general manager, noted their concern the same week of the abductions.
"We didn't have any problems until this week," Pakhchanian said. "They have cameras. Either someone isn't watching them cameras or something."
Alexandria resident Corey Peterson shops at the mall occasionally.
"I've never felt unsafe before the things that have gone on lately," he said. "I don't see much security around."
Gloria Cuyugan looked at the lighting in the parking lot.
"It's a dim light look. I never thought things like that would happen here," she said.
Mall security would not comment on any security issues, and messages to the individuals in charge of security went unanswered. Mall manager Jerry Robinson would not respond to any calls pertaining to security.
Fairfax County Police Department does have a satellite office at the mall and maintains a presence with officers in the mall. Officer Julie Hersey noted that the police activity is separate from the mall's own security. Although they remain in radio contact with each other, the police do not make any suggestions on the level of security at Springfield or any other mall.
"We cannot suggest that malls do anything with their security. I know there's a shopping center unit there [Springfield]. We certainly work with their security," she said.
Hersey also said that Springfield Mall is not unique compared with Tysons Corner and Fair Oaks malls.
"I don't think Springfield Mall stands out, apart from the other malls," she said.
Fairfax County Police spokesperson Jacqi Smith could not comment on any sightings at the mall after the attacks.
"That would be part of the investigation," she said.
In early March, the bus stop near J.C. Penney's and da Vinci's restaurant was moved to a location away from the building.
According to Springfield Mall marketing director Gayle Spurr, the move was planned months ago in response to complaints of loitering by stores and customers. The county paid for the move.
"We asked them to move it because of the loitering factor," Spurr said.