City leaders discuss Citadel Mall crime issues

COLORADO SPRINGS — During a news conference Thursday, Colorado Springs city leaders, police and business owners said now is the time to increase security at The Citadel Mall on the city’s east side.

Since 2016, at least three people have died and more than 20 people have been injured in shootings inside and on mall property.

Colorado Springs City Councilwoman Nancy Henjum said the previous lack of response from the mall’s owner, Namdar Realty Group, has made it difficult to find solutions to rising crime. She said new leadership at the New York-based company is now starting to take off.

Kevin Chadrjian, an asset manager for Namdar Realty Group, said he flew to Colorado Springs to meet with city leaders and mall tenants this week. Chadrjian said he started with the company in June and this is his first time visiting the mall. Councilor Henjum commended Chadrjian for his willingness to find a way forward for the Citadel.

“I can’t express how grateful I am that I actually have someone from the national office who shows, shows care and concern,” said Councilor Henjum.

Chadrjian said he also met with Colorado Springs police for a mall security assessment on Tuesday. During Thursday’s news conference, Chief Adrian Vasquez said one possible security improvement could be shared police access to mall security cameras.

“We can’t go into it and start watching for no reason, but when something happens, we can immediately go into that system and see through their cameras,” Chief Vasquez said.

As for the outside of the mall, Chadrjian said the company is trying to limit access to the parking lot after the mall is closed.

“We also own Chapel Hills Mall, which is just north of us, and they have a very strong security program there. We’re working alongside them, trying to combine these teams together,” Chadrjian said.

City Economic Development Officer Jessie Kimber said the city is also working to lift the military ban imposed on the mall last month. Jody Harlow, owner of the Academy of Life and Leadership Taekwondo inside the mall, said the ban on members of the military from visiting the mall has hurt his business.

“Some of our customers are military families, and that’s personal to me because I’m a 20-year disabled retired veteran,” he said. “I want to see them come back to the mall and be a part of the mall.”

Namdar Realty said there is no specific timeline for when the security upgrades will take place. Chadrjian said the company will first look at all mall policies and procedures that need to be changed and then begin making infrastructure improvements.
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