Suspicious incident prompts warning from mall security

COLUMBIA — Columbia Mall officials are urging patrons and employees not to go outside with strangers after a suspicious incident at Dillard’s on Wednesday.

A man described as a white male, 6 feet 2 inches tall with glasses and a buzzed haircut possibly tried to abduct a female sales associate employed at the store, mall security officials said in a news release.

After first calling the store and asking the woman to deliver clothes to his home, the man came into the store. He asked the same woman to help him to his car after he purchased clothing and accessories.

A Dillard’s security officer then stepped in and offered to assist the man to his car.

After refusing further help at the door and exiting the store, the man then got into a vehicle waiting outside.