2 people arrested for trespassing at Century III Mall as demolition crews were working, police say
Two people were arrested for trespassing at the Century III Mall while demolition crews were working on Saturday.
The West Mifflin Police Department said they were called about the people in the mall at around 11:50 a.m. They were arrested by the old Dick’s Sporting Goods.
PHOTOS: Demolition crews start tearing down Century III Mall parking garage
The trespassing situation comes just a few weeks after seven people were criminally charged after going into the mall.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 7 people charged with breaking into old Century III Mall
Police say the mall is private property and that “No Trespassing” notices have been posted in clear sight in the area. The entrances to the mall have also been boarded closed.
“Nothing inside is worth risking your safety, or the safety of others, to see,” West Mifflin police said.
Police emphasized that structural instability will only increase as the work progresses.
People are asked to stay off the property to prevent putting themselves and first responders in danger.
Work to tear down the parking garage of the abandoned Century III Mall started Saturday morning, two days earlier than expected.
Drivers couldn’t help but take a look at the torn-up concrete and twisted metal as they passed by.
“It’s sad but it’s something that’s got to be done,” said Tammy who was driving by the mall. “It can’t be repaired, so for everybody’s safety, it should be torn down.”
Alexis Lamkin of Liberty Borough used to work at the mall in its heyday.
“It’s actually really sad,” Lamkin said. “We used to come here shopping all the time. I remember Black Friday, Christmas, even when we were kids just to go shopping for something to do on a Friday night.”
The demolition comes after years of back and forth and an ongoing battle in court between the property owners and the Borough of West Mifflin.
Officials argue the mall is a hazard and has become a magnet for trespassers.
Saturday morning, police arrested a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old after they were caught trespassing by the former Dick’s Sporting Goods while demolition work was going on.
A security guard is now keeping watch over the site.
“I think people are just curious, honestly and they probably just want to see what’s going on, what it looks like inside,” said Lamkin.
But that curiosity can get you in serious trouble.
“Please do not go in the mall,” said West Mifflin Borough Councilman Dan Davis. “It is a felony trespass. It’s not a normal trespass misdemeanor; it’s a felony. I think once you realize it’s a felony, you really don’t want that on your record.”
There have now been nine people arrested for breaking into the mall this month alone.
Davis said the sooner the building is gone the better but realizes they have a long fight ahead to tear down the actual mall.
“Anything that can happen here with the Century III Mall is a blessing,” he said. “We’re seeing activity. It’s good to see that. How far will we get? We’re always concerned.”
Davis said Moonbeam, the property owners, will need to get another permit to demolish the building. There is no exact timeline on when that will start but he said it could be as soon as a couple of months after an inspection is done to see if there’s asbestos inside.
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