STROUD TOWNSHIP -- Police in the Poconos now say they are close to making an arrest after a woman was assaulted leaving the movies at the Stroud Mall Easter Sunday.
But just a few days ago, another violent crime happened outside the same mall.
Investigators are close to charging several individuals in relation to the Easter Sunday assault, but they still need help tracking down just who is responsible for a stabbing Saturday night that sent one man to the hospital.
Two violent crimes took place outside the Stroud Mall just this month: an assault that left one woman with a broken eye socket, and a stabbing at the food court after a verbal fight got physical Saturday night.
The chief of police says the mall is not a dangerous place.
"There have been two incidents in a relatively short time apart, but I still would classify the Stroud Mall as a safe place to go," said Stroud Area Regional Police Chief William Parrish.
Detectives are reviewing security cameras and released photos earlier this month to help track down suspects in the assault case after a woman was attacked leaving the movies. Those photos could be paying off soon.
"I'm anticipating some arrests in the near future in regards to that. The stabbing that occurred Saturday night is still relatively new."
Businesses in the Stroud Plaza say the violence that is happening across the street at the mall is something that concerns them, and something they hope comes to an end soon.
Olga's Greek Cuisine on Route 611 has been open for about five years. They say the violence has stirred up some concerns.
"You do stop and think. We have to throw out the garbage at nighttime, so we're worried about going in the back. People, you know, could hurt us," said Olga Korovesis.
Next door at the Spotlight Barber Shop, Robert Cooper says he only goes into the mall to shop for shoes and didn't hear about the violent attacks.
"Here we don't hear anything about the dirty things that are going on right underneath our nose, so we'll never know. We try to keep our distance," Cooper said.
The mall says the safety of its customers is top priority and went on to say in a statement, "We will continue to evaluate the security protocols we have in place and make adjustments as necessary, but discussing those in detail would compromise our efforts."
Police are still seeking information about Saturday's stabbing outside the mall. Anyone with information is asked to give Stroud Area Regional Police a call at 570-421-6800.
