Muskogee Officials: The Mall And Community Are Safe

By Jeffrey Smith and NewsOn6.com,

MUSKOGEE, OK – Saying the city of Muskogee is a safe city, Muskogee's mayor and representatives from the police department and Arrowhead Mall held a news conference Wednesday morning at the Arrowhead Mall to talk about last Saturday's deadly shooting at the mall.

Mayor John Hammons, Muskogee Police Cpl. Pedro Zardeneta as well as Arrowhead Mall officials were on hand to stress the mall is a safe place to be despite last Saturday's fatal shooting.    

Seventeen-year-old Jarrod Reed was killed during the incident at the Arrowhead Mall last Saturday. 

Mall leaders say safety is their top priority, and shoppers are already noticing major changes.

"It's all quiet and safe, and I think it's safe to come back or I wouldn't be here," said shopper Vanessa Stewart. 

The mall has contracted with the City to use off-duty Muskogee cops for mall patrols. They will earn comp time for patrolling the mall. Bicycle patrols will start as soon as next week.

"I talked it over with my husband before we came, and we both feel like this is our town and this is our mall, and we want to support it." said Kay Rogers, Muskogee resident and mall shopper.

Mall leaders say they will aggressively follow the youth escort program where on Friday and Saturday nights anyone under the age of 16 needs to be accompanied by parent or guardian. If you can't show ID, they will kick you out.

Cpl. Pedro Zardeneta says investigators are still looking for suspects and witnesses in addition to the five already arrested in the case.

4/12/2010 Related story: Community Meeting And Prayer Vigil Held After Muskogee Mall Shooting
4/13/2010 Related Story: More Arrests Made In Deadly Muskogee Mall Shooting
4/14/2010 Related Story: Muskogee Mall Shooting Suspects Charged