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Hi to my Forum Friends,

Wednesday evening I walked over to the Tyler Galleria Mall and had a very strange encounter.  As I walked around the mall, I sensed a man following me.  He never said anything, just stayed within a few feet of me, staring at me.  Once I became aware of him, I began to take evasive steps to see if he was truly stalking me.   I walked to a store window and stood looking in; he was there just behind me.  Then, I began to walk back and forth across the mall aisle stopping at different store windows, pretending to browse.  As I zig-zagged back and forth across the mall aisle stopping at various store windows -- he was always within a few feet of me.

Twice, I walked up to the man and in a courteous tone asked him, "Can I help you with something?"   All he did was stare at me.

While this was happening, in my mind I was thinking about an incident which happened just the previous night at a Walmart store in Lynnwood, California (near LAX).  In that Walmart, a 74 year old man was browsing in the sporting goods section.  A homeless man approached him and, from what I understand from the reports, asked the man for money.  Evidently the man refused to give him  money -- so, the homeless man picked up a baseball bat and began to beat the man.

Security was alerted right away by a woman.  But, before they arrived, the older man was beaten to death.  Then, the homeless man just casually began to walk away.  He was stopped by store security, held for police, and arrested.  But, his random victim was still dead -- for no apparent reason.

I have to admit that this previous day Walmart occurrence was on my mind when I approached my stalker at Galleria Mall.  The man was about 6 foot tall, maybe a bit taller, about 230 pounds, stocky not fat, short cut hair with a receding hair line, and was an African American with light skin coloring.  He did not look like a homeless person, nor did he look like someone on drugs.  He was dressed in a gray tee shirt and blue jeans, wearing sun glasses -- and looked, in every respect, as a normal, well groomed person.

But, when I approached him and asked if he needed something, all he did was stare at me in a not very friendly manner.  He would not say a word.

In the center of the mall aisle are a number of kiosks with young sales people.  I walked to one of the kiosk and asked the young lady for the telephone number of Mall Security.  While I was standing at her kiosk calling security -- the man was standing at an adjacent kiosk looking at their decorative baseball caps.   Later, when I talked with the young ladies who were at that kiosk, they told me that they sensed something was wrong -- because while the guy was picking up and examining their caps, he seemed to not really be interested in them.

Then the man walked into a store by the kiosk where I was standing .  When three mall security officers came, I pointed out the man as he was walking out of the store.  In all this time, the man never said a word -- nor did he seem to be concerned that we -- three security officers, all the young ladies at the different kiosks, and I -- were watching him.  He walked down the aisle, stopped to say  something to a young man at the Verizon kiosk -- and then, a few minutes later walked back toward where we were and sat down on a bench.

The mall security officer told me, "This man is truly weird.  But, until he actually does something, we cannot ask him to leave."

You would think that his so obviously stalking another person in the mall would be a good enough reason.  But, I guess they have their rules -- sort of like police regulations -- until he shoots you or stabs you, we do not have a reason to restrain him.

But, the security officer told me, "We will keep him on camera."   At the time, I did not truly appreciate their ability to track the man.

While he was still sitting on the bench, I walked away and moved toward the other end of the mall -- keeping my eyes open that he was not following.  All of this happened on the lower level of the mall.  Later, after cautiously walking around for a while -- I went to the upper level and began trying to locate him on the lower level.  Soon, I found him in the center of the mall, on the lower level below  the Food Court (which is on the upper level).

From my vantage point, I could see him through the railing bars -- but, he apparently could not see me.  The man was just standing, leaning against the wall, watching people walk by, still wearing his sun glasses.  I don't know if he was watching for me, waiting for someone, or scanning for another possible victim.

When I had located him, I called Mall Security again to make them aware of his location and his actions.  Before I could tell Security where he was -- the officer told me, "Yes, we have him on camera right now."  I can assure you that this made me feel much more comfortable.

Later, thinking about this whole episode, I more fully grasped what Security had told me the first time I called them.  The officer asked where I was, the young lady told me the name of her kiosk, and right away the officer told me, "Yes, I have you on camera."   That did not really register until later.  But, praise God -- from the moment I called, Security had me on camera and had officers on the way.

The next time anyone complains to me about Big Brother watching us all the time, my only reply will be, "Praise God!"

All things can be good and bad, depending upon your situation.  However, the next time I, or any of those close to me, decide to walk in Tyler Galleria Mall -- I will feel more secure knowing that Mall Security officers and cameras are watching.  And, that they are only a cell phone call away.

I have put Tyler Galleria Mall Security on my cell phone speed dial.  The Tyler Galleria Mall Security telephone number is:  951-351-3124.  For all my Friends and family living in our community who frequent this mall -- please put this number on your speed dial.

And, I would recommend all of my Friends who live in other communities, do this for the mall or large stores you frequent often.  I  pray that you never need to use the number.  But, better to err on the side of safety.

To the Tyler Galleria Mall management and the Mall Security officers -- THANK YOU for being my Big Brother.  You have my never ending gratitude and praise.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

1 - Friends Christian Fish

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Last edited by Bill Gray
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quote:   Originally Posted by CrustyMac:

One:  why is this in the Religion forum?  Two:  why do you think anyone in North Alabama needs the phone number of security in a CA mall?  Three:  based on your latest experiences at the mall, I suggest you stay away from them. 


Hi Crusty,

 

To your first question:  Why not?

 

To your second question, I reread my post and you are right.  My intent was not clearly stated.  So, I have gone back and rewritten those two paragraphs.  They now read:

 

I have put Tyler Galleria Mall Security on my cell phone speed dial.  The Tyler Galleria Mall Security telephone number is:  951-351-3124.  For all my Friends and family living in our community who frequent this mall -- please put this number on your speed  dial.

And, I would recommend all of my Friends who live in other communities, do this for the mall or large stores you frequent often.  I  pray that you never need to use the number.  But, better to err on the side of safety.

 

Crusty, my Friend, thank you for helping me make my post better.

 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

 

Bill

Originally Posted by Bill Gray:
quote:   Originally Posted by CrustyMac:

One:  why is this in the Religion forum?  Two:  why do you think anyone in North Alabama needs the phone number of security in a CA mall?  Three:  based on your latest experiences at the mall, I suggest you stay away from them. 


Hi Crusty,

 

To your first question:  Why not?

 

To your second question, I reread my post and you are right.  My intent was not clearly stated.  So, I have gone back and rewritten those two paragraphs.  They now read:

 

I have put Tyler Galleria Mall Security on my cell phone speed dial.  The Tyler Galleria Mall Security telephone number is:  951-351-3124.  For all my Friends and family living in our community who frequent this mall -- please put this number on your speed  dial.

And, I would recommend all of my Friends who live in other communities, do this for the mall or large stores you frequent often.  I  pray that you never need to use the number.  But, better to err on the side of safety.

 

Crusty, my Friend, thank you for helping me make my post better.

 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

 

Bill


I think it was JimiHendrix!

Originally Posted by Bill Gray:

Hi Crusty,

 

To your first question:  Why not?

 

To your second question, I reread my post and you are right.  My intent was not clearly stated.  So, I have gone back and rewritten those two paragraphs.  They now read:

 

I have put Tyler Galleria Mall Security on my cell phone speed dial.  The Tyler Galleria Mall Security telephone number is:  951-351-3124.  For all my Friends and family living in our community who frequent this mall -- please put this number on your speed  dial.

And, I would recommend all of my Friends who live in other communities, do this for the mall or large stores you frequent often.  I  pray that you never need to use the number.  But, better to err on the side of safety.

 

Crusty, my Friend, thank you for helping me make my post better.

 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

 

Bill

_____________

You are welcome.  I wish you would go much further with that, though.  Start by posting in the correct forum.  Then stay the hell out of malls.

I too wonderer why post this in the Religion forum instead of Misc?  While I realize this was a traumatic experience and you want to make people aware of it it really makes little sense why you would post the mall number expecting it to be beneficial to most on here given that this is an Alabama forum.  I realize you believe there to be some large following of like minded believers, from out local to you, but there has been little to no evidence that those exist based upon who post on the forums so I do have to admit it seems curious why you would choose an Alabama forum to attempt to warn people local to you about a local dangers.  I'm sure though that dangerous people are in all kinds of malls everywhere but if your goal or motive was to issue a general warning of such activity again I would think that the place to do it would be the Misc category.

 

Why does that even matter?  In my opinion (only), when you take on a position of critiquing others for grammar, writing style, length of post, or other non-germane things (to the topic) then you surely open yourself to valid criticism of (the same) posting a topic under a forum that really has no bearing on the subject.  Again I know this was troubling to you and I understand why it was and that  everyone should be on the watch for their own safety, everywhere,  but is it not less controversial to post under, say the, MISC category where maybe your post would receive more serious consideration for it's content rather than the distraction that it invoked from some asking why and discussing that here rather than discussing the merits or items that you mentioned in your post?

 

Basically though what you have done, by choosing willingly to post here something that has no real bearing on Religion, is negate any criticism you might have or want to levy against any other person for choosing the Religion forum to post any subject they might want to post.    So if someone chooses to use the Religion forum to post about a subject that has no reference or tie to religion they should be able to do so without any future critique from you about their choice of forums to post under.  

Last edited by gbrk
Originally Posted by Bill Gray:

Hi to my Forum Friends,
The mall security officer told me, "This man is truly weird.  But, until he actually does something, we cannot ask him to leave."
You would think that his so obviously stalking another person in the mall would be a good enough reason.
I went to the upper level and began trying to locate him on the lower level.  Soon, I found him in the center of the mall, on the lower level below  the Food Court (which is on the upper level).
From my vantage point, I could see him through the railing bars -- but, he apparently could not see me.
When I had located him, I called Mall Security again to make them aware of his location and his actions. 
Bill

_______________________________

Bill, I'm curious how you got out of the mall? Did security hold your hand & walk you to your car?

You felt this man was stalking you but were you not doing the same when you were looking for him?

Maybe he saw you & called security to report you. I sure hope so.

I usually feel pretty safe in any location.  I don't worry too much about shady people as I am a berserker when the need calls for it. Unless I'm being sniped at from afar, usually reacting quickly and violently and making sure that an assailant doesn't even have a second to think is a fairly effective solution.  They want you to be afraid. If you're not-it throws off their timing and ability.

 

Well BeeG.  That's pretty sad when complete strangers automatically don't like you.

Kinda how it works here, too.

Mebbe ya should rethink your approach, eh?

 

Last edited by Road Puppy

I wouldn’t be surprised if this man wasn’t the owner or manager of the store in which Bill had a problem with a mannequin in the window of a store in that mall. Bill was whining because the mannequin's hand had a tattoo with the word Hate on it.

If the truth were to be known, Bill was probably causing a scene about that mannequin or the employee told the owner about what happened & pointed Bill out to him.

My guess is there’s more to this than Bill is telling.

 

 





quote:   Originally Posted by CrustyMac:
You are welcome.  I wish you would go much further with that, though.  Start by posting in the correct forum.  Then stay the hell out of malls.

Hi Crusty,

 

Correct forum?   Well, let me see, I did write "Praise God!" and "God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day."   Where do you suppose those belong -- in the News Forum or in the Politics Forum?  I suppose you are stuck with me in the Religion Forum.  Of course, the solution to that problem -- is for YOU to live in the Food Forum.  Can you cook?  Just a thought!

 

Stay out of malls?  Are you trying to further destroy America's economy by telling folks to stay out of malls?  Crusty, are you telling US that you "stay out of malls" -- or are you saying that the mall near YOU has posted a sign reading "Grumpy Old Non-Believers - Stay Out!"?

 

But, Crusty, you are still my Friend.  And, I pray that God blesses you -- even if you do ignore Him.

 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

 

Bill

Friends_Piggy

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quote:  Originally Posted by CrustyMac:
quote:   Originally Posted by greenhill mom:

That's pretty scary, Bill.  So glad you are all right and the security team was on the ball.

Based on Bill's last story about his encounters in the mall, he probably did something to provoke the man.  Bill is pretty much clueless about things in real life.

Hi Crusty,

 

Please help me.  I don't recall, in the five years I have been on the Forums -- ever writing about "any encounters in the mall" -- except this one.  Will you please show all of us the posts you have in mind.

 

And, no, Crusty -- I am not foolish enough to provoke such an incident.  Even seemingly normal looking folks -- possibly, like you -- could be a steaming cauldron inside.  It is not smart to provoke such a person in a situation like this.  And, quite honestly, I have since wondered if I did the right thing approaching this man and asking him what he wants.  The man could have had a hidden knife or gun -- and who knows what could have happened.  So, in this case, on second thought, I was foolish.  I should have just called Mall Security without approaching the man.  But, I suppose I wanted to confirm his stalking intent first.   Still, not smart.

 

So, my suggestion to everyone -- have Mall, or store, Security on your speed dial -- and let them handle such situations.  That could save your life.  Look at the man at Walmart just the night before -- beaten to death by a baseball bat -- and totally unprovoked.   Better to err on the side of safety and call for professional help.

 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

 

Bill

Miscellaneous, Bill.  I might even give you News if you had linked the article you read.  I used to think you were just playing dumb, now I've decided you aren't playing at all.

 

I'm trying to save your life, Bill.  You tend to do stupid things like accuse clerks of hate crimes, and upsetting other people until they follow you around making sure you don't hurt someone. 

Originally Posted by Bill Gray:
quote:  Originally Posted by CrustyMac:
quote:   Originally Posted by greenhill mom:

That's pretty scary, Bill.  So glad you are all right and the security team was on the ball.

Based on Bill's last story about his encounters in the mall, he probably did something to provoke the man.  Bill is pretty much clueless about things in real life.

Hi Crusty,

 

Please help me.  I don't recall, in the five years I have been on the Forums -- ever writing about "any encounters in the mall" -- except this one.  Will you please show all of us the posts you have in mind.

 

Just the other day you accosted a clerk for words on a mannequin.

 

And, no, Crusty -- I am not foolish enough to provoke such an incident.  Even seemingly normal looking folks -- possibly, like you -- could be a steaming cauldron inside.  It is not smart to provoke such a person in a situation like this.  And, quite honestly, I have since wondered if I did the right thing approaching this man and asking him what he wants.  The man could have had a hidden knife or gun -- and who knows what could have happened.  So, in this case, on second thought, I was foolish.  I should have just called Mall Security without approaching the man.  But, I suppose I wanted to confirm his stalking intent first.   Still, not smart.

 

Once again, it appears you are so out of touch with reality, I'm guessing you did something to cause this man to follow you around to be sure you didn't hurt someone or yourself.

 

So, my suggestion to everyone -- have Mall, or store, Security on your speed dial -- and let them handle such situations.  That could save your life.  Look at the man at Walmart just the night before -- beaten to death by a baseball bat -- and totally unprovoked.   Better to err on the side of safety and call for professional help.

 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

 

Bill

Originally Posted by Bill Gray:

Hi Crusty,

 

You be MISCELLANEOUS (your comfort zone) -- I will stay in the CHRISTIAN section.   But, hey, whatever make your wheels turn!

 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

 

Bill

_____________

Unless you are Jesus, which you are not, just saying "God Bless" doesn't qualify the original post as one that belongs in the religion forum.  Note, the religion forum - NOT Christian forum.  Please get Dory to take you and have your Alzheimer's checked.  I'm thinking some medication adjustments are due.

quote:    Originally Posted by Cherokee_Indian2:

I carry a security number with me everywhere I go Bill it's .380 x 7 rounds!


Hi Cherokee,

 

Yes, my Friend, that is one answer -- everyone in the mall pull out a magnum and start shooting!  Maybe a few folks can have knifes, too -- just to make sure no one escapes unharmed.

 

Somehow, deep inside me -- I just get the feeling that is not the best way.   The ways of Dodge City died out with Wyatt Earp and such.  Let's leave the shoot-outs to the professionals.  My magnum is now my speed dial.   Works great -- and much less blood.

 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

 

Bill

And, for all my local Southern California Friends, the next time you visit the Tyler Galleria Mall walk by The Scream Shop, upper level, north of JC Penney's -- and ask them why they are "Selling 'H A T E' To Our Youth."

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Probably why they were following you around. Did you ever apologize for trying to ruin this store's name and business?

Hi all -- and especially my two devoted Lady Fans,

JUST AN UPDATE!   The following week after I talked with the young clerk in this store, as I walked by the store window I noticed  that the L O V E hand had been turned forward.  But, because of the design of the mannequin arms -- it could not be read from from  outside the store window.  Folks walking past the store could still only saw the H A T E hand.  The young man had attempted to do   what was right -- but, it still did not work.

This week, when I walked past -- I rejoiced.  Since the mannequin arm design did not allow both hands to be displayed -- showing  the supposedly trendy L O V E and H A T E hands -- the store has turned both hands down so that neither can be viewed.

I will admit that I did wonder what caused them to do this.  Was it because it was the right way to defuse the situation?  Or, since  many Friends who receive my Friends Ministry eNewsletter live in my community -- I wondered if others had gone into the store and  mentioned this to the clerks.

Either way, even though the mannequin is still full of tattoos -- at least the H A T E tattoo is effectively gone.  Praise God!

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

1 - God-Is-Love-reduced

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Originally Posted by JimiHendrix:
Originally Posted by Roland Pfalz:
Originally Posted by smokey1:
 

I think it was JimiHendrix!

 

 

 

No. You mis-read the article.

The OP said "Gallaria Mall", NOT  "Mens Restroom Stall".

Roland thinks that everyone goes to the mall for the same reason he does.

====================================

With Roland it's called shopping.

With you and George Wham Micheal, who knows.

 

Originally Posted by INVICTUS:
Originally Posted by JimiHendrix:
Originally Posted by Roland Pfalz:
Originally Posted by smokey1:
 

I think it was JimiHendrix!

 

 

 

No. You mis-read the article.

The OP said "Gallaria Mall", NOT  "Mens Restroom Stall".

Roland thinks that everyone goes to the mall for the same reason he does.

====================================

With Roland it's called shopping.

With you and George Wham Micheal, who knows.

 

So, you and Roland go to the restroom together, do you.

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