Property owner to upgrade Kroger security

Attack on lot prompts Texas firm’s effort

Security will be upgraded at an East Memphis Kroger after a 49-year-old woman was attacked and robbed in the parking lot Saturday night, the property owner said Monday. .

The woman was robbed and beaten with a pistol outside the Kroger at 540 S. Mendenhall, not far from Poplar and the Paradiso movie theater. The attack left her with lacerations on the back of her head and a possible concussion.

Property owner Weingarten Realty, based in Houston, Texas, is responsible for security on the property while Kroger is responsible for the store itself.

Weingarten spokesman Carrie Murray promised that security would be upgraded at the center, but would not say what form that might take — additional manpower, more lighting, security vehicles — nor how long it would remain in place.

She also wouldn’t discuss whether the center had surveillance cameras that might have recorded the attack.

“We had security on site when the incident occurred. Due to this, we are increasing security at the shopping center,” Murray said.

Kroger representative Teresa Dickerson only released a statement:

“Kroger is working with our landlord at Mendenhall Commons and the Memphis Police Department regarding this ongoing investigation. We do not disclose our security measures, but we are actively assisting MPD in any way to capture the suspect.”

The attack happened around 6:30 that night as the woman was getting into her car. The suspect tried to take her purse, and when she resisted, beat her with a pistol. He then took the purse and fled in a maroon Toyota with the license plate T38-G4C.

Police had made no arrests in the case late Monday. Reached Monday, the victim declined to comment.