ROSS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Officials said closed-circuit security cameras will be installed at Ross Park Mall following a weekend fight that sparked gunfire on the second floor.
Ross Park Mall officials sent Channel 11 a statement:
“The safety of our shoppers, retailers and associates are our top priority. We have extensive proactive and preventative security programs and measures, including utilizing off duty police officers and a private security force that actively patrol the interior and exterior of the shopping center, along with working closely with local law enforcement and retailers to prepare for potential emergencies. These programs have allowed us to achieve Homeland Department of Security safety certification. As an additional measure, we will soon begin the process of securing CCTV cameras at Ross Park Mall and South Hills Village. We are also implementing a weapons detection K9 program to enhance interior patrols at Ross Park Mall.”
>>>RELATED: Allegheny County DA joins push to get cameras inside Ross Park Mall
Officers from nearly half a dozen different agencies rushed to Ross Park Mall on Saturday afternoon as the gunfire sent shoppers scrambling to safety.
According to Lt. Brian Kohlhepp with Ross Township police, shortly after 4:30 p.m., there was a fight inside the mall that involved as many as six people. Guns were pulled during the fight, and officers said witnesses reported hearing one to three gunshots.
The fight happened on the second floor of the mall near Guest Services.
Two 17-year-old boys are facing gun charges in connection with the incident.
Police and the Allegheny County district attorney slammed the mall’s parent company, Simon Property Group, saying repeated requests for cameras in common areas were turned down.
Vickie Rohleder was stuck in traffic for hours on McKnight in the aftermath of the mall shooting. Rohleder puts the blame of the shooting on bad parenting.
“Parents have to take lead and stuff like that and say, ‘No, there’s no guns. Period. If you’re going to have fights with your friends — fight physically. Go to taekwondo,’” she said.
Ross Township police told us that they are happy to see that cameras will be installed. They look forward to a continued partnership with the mall in efforts to promote safety for shoppers and employees.
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