Muskogee Mall Manager: Business Picking Up Since Shooting

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

MUSKOGEE, OK -- It has been a little more than a month since a deadly shooting at Arrowhead Mall in downtown Muskogee. 

Mall officials say some families are still uncomfortable coming back to the mall after the April 10th shooting. The Muskogee Police Department is doing everything it can to reach out.

Muskogee police officers were out in force Saturday at the mall, one month after the shooting there killed a teenager and injured five other people. The shockwaves from that tragedy are still being felt throughout the community. Officers know it's a pressing matter.

Mall shopper Belinda McCarty says she didn't feel safe coming back, until she heard of an outreach event called ArrowFest.

"It was fear. I was kinda, kinda scared to come back after what had happened," said McCarty.

Among other activities, dozens of kids got their fingerprints taken during ArrowFest, as officers explained the importance of trusting law enforcement officers.

"I think it sends out a good message that shows we're here, we're vigilant," said Cpl. Pedro Zardeneta, Muskogee Police.

Mall manager Scott Stephenson says the first few weeks after the shooting were slow, but business has been picking up.

"When they come back and they're seeing nothing's changed, everything's the same, mall's busy, we're still here," said Stephenson.

Security guards still walk the mall and the police department has started doing bike patrols since late April. They have two bicycles, with more on the way.

McCarty says as a mom, she appreciates the extra effort.

"I was scared to get back, scared that it was going to happen again. Didn't really feel safe, until now," said McCarty.

The Muskogee Police Department has ordered four more bikes to patrol downtown and all of the city's parks. Those four bikes should be in Muskogee in the next eight weeks.

5/5/2010  Related Story: Woman Charged In Muskogee Mall Shooting Wants DA Removed From Case

ArrowFest will take place at Arrowhead Mall until 8:00 p.m. Saturday.