PORT ARTHUR — A recent armed robbery in the Central Mall parking lot has become fodder for an e-mail circulating mid and south Jefferson County.

Josh Abshier was lead officer on the case on Wednesday, Nov. 25. He addressed the contents of the e-mail which also alleges that a week prior to the robbery, there was a large fight with as many as 200 gang members involved and that the Port Arthur Police are trying to keep the incidents “quiet.”

“This is not a hush hush incident,” Abshier said on Thursday. “We are actively investigating the incident. The robbery was not gang related and if it had been we would involve the Street Crimes Unit.”

The e-mail tells the second hand story of a couple who were leaving the mall at the exit near the movie theater and notices two suspicious men. As the couple entered their vehicle an armed man opened the door where the male victim was seated and brandished a handgun.

The suspect attempted to retrieve the victims wallet but the man protested and instead handed over $40 in cash, Abshier said. When the suspect looked to the female victim’s purse, the husband told the suspect ‘he didn’t need the purse because the credit cards would be canceled.’

The armed suspect then fled the scene on foot, he said.

The facts of the e-mail trail off from this point.

Abshier said he spoke with the couple and the female victim did not say anything about being pregnant.

While the e-mail talks of a second suspect, Abshier said only one suspect was armed and involved in the robbery.

Six to seven officers combed the area after the robbery, he said, entering the mall in different areas but the suspect was not located.

Abshier also called Nederland Police Department to alert them of the incident. Nederland police responded and assisted PAPD in the search for the suspect.

Security was tightened in the mall area even more the day after Thanksgiving.

Two officers continue to work security inside the mall near the movie theater and have been for years, he said, and Neighborhood Action Groups patrol the parking lot as well.

“This was a random thing,” he added.

The e-mail then tells of a large gang fight which occurred the week prior to the robbery.

“Obviously, they were very lucky, but what is amazing to me, is when the police were called, they came out and told my neighbor that they had experienced gang trouble the week before, with as many as 200 gang members fighting in the parking lot. On top of that, they were trying to keep it quiet,” according to the e-mail.

PAPD Maj. Raymond Clark rebuked the statement, saying “there was not 200 or so gang members engaged in any activity at all.”

PAPD offered some shopping safety tips:

Park in a well lit area, try and walk in groups and not alone, have your keys ready before you reach your vehicle and always be aware of your surroundings.

Anyone with information about this crime or any other crime is urged to call EasTex Crime Stoppers at 724-TIPS. You will not be asked your name and could earn a cash reward.

mmeaux@panews.com