Robbers With Gun Target SoCal Mall Parking Lot

Two robberies in parking lots of a Southern California mall where a gun was brandished both times, and in once case used to hit a woman over the head, have police warning the public to be on the lookout for anything suspicious.

On Aug 19., a woman was pistol-whipped with a black-semi automatic handgun and robbed of her purse and cellphone in a parking lot near the westside of Nordstroms at the same mall, according to police. She told authorities the suspect ran to an awaiting vehicle where a second person was and they drove off together. She described the robber as tall, skinny, and wearing a hoody.

"We do know the suspect in last night's robbery approached the victim soon after she exited the store.. so they could have watched the door waiting for people to come out," Sgt. Brett Bourgeous said, of the Arcadia Police Department.

The getaway-vehicle was described as a small SUV, silver or gray.

About two weeks before that incident, on Aug 4., a man was robbed at gunpoint in the south parking lot of the Westfield Santa Anita Mall. A man described as African American in his 20s, standing about 5 feet 10 inches, with a thin build and a bandana covering his face, ran off with the victim's wallet and cellphone, according to the Arcadia Police Department. Again, another man was waiting nearby and this time they ran off out of sight together.

Some employees expressed their anxiety over the recent events and were worried about having to work nights at the mall.

"We'll probably have all the girls who close together walk out together, although we park on different sides of the mall," Mecah Lujan said. "We'll have to get in one car and drive each other to our cars."
Police said the robberies should serve as a warning to always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Thirteen-year-old Kelli Kuttruff said her mom repeatedly reminds her to take these precautions.

"She tells me to make sure I look in cars before I pass them and stay close to the curb or wherever makes me feel safe and always keep my phone in my hand so I can call her right away," Kuttruff said.

Calls made to the mall's management by NBC4 were not returned at the time of this report.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Arcadia Police Department at 626-574-5151.