Michelle Chandler, a Colorado woman and mother of five, took action when she caught a Peeping Tom slipping a cellphone beneath her dressing room door at a Lakewood shopping mall. Video footage shows Chandler holding the man down on the floor of the department store as he tries to escape. With the help of store associates, she was able to keep the suspect steady until mall security arrived and put him in handcuffs. The team even used a belt to restrain the man as they waited for authorities to arrive.
During an interview with Fox 31, Chandler shared that she told the man, “You need to be held accountable. It’s not OK what you did.” The incident occurred while Chandler was trying on Mother’s Day outfits, turning a happy occasion into a terrifying one. She first noticed something was wrong when she smelled a foul odor in the gender-neutral dressing room, discovering men’s shoes, socks, and a phone pointed at her while she was trying to change. Without hesitation, Chandler took action to prevent the man from escaping and committing the act again.
Chandler described how she immediately grabbed the suspect, threw him to the ground, and held him down until security arrived. She mentioned that the man was 19 years old but did not reveal his name. The Lakewood Police Department confirmed their involvement in the incident but did not specify what charges, if any, were brought against the Peeping Tom. This unsettling event happened just weeks after another incident where a man tried to record an “upskirt” video of a Target shopper in North Carolina, showcasing the issue of privacy and invasion of personal space.
The actions of Michelle Chandler in apprehending the Peeping Tom demonstrate the importance of standing up against such invasive behavior. By immediately confronting the suspect and preventing his escape, she protected herself and potentially others from being victimized. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and courage in the face of inappropriate or criminal behavior. Authorities handling the case are expected to take appropriate action to address the disturbing incident and protect the safety and privacy of individuals in public spaces.
The bravery and swift response of Michelle Chandler in confronting the Peeping Tom highlight the importance of taking action to address inappropriate behavior and protect one’s safety and privacy. By holding the suspect down until security arrived, she prevented him from escaping and potentially victimizing others. The incident underscores the need for increased awareness and vigilance regarding privacy in public spaces, as well as the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. Authorities involved in the case are expected to respond appropriately to ensure justice is served and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The incident involving Michelle Chandler and the Peeping Tom at the Lakewood shopping mall is a stark reminder of the need for individuals to be alert and ready to respond to inappropriate behavior in public spaces. Chandler’s quick thinking and courage in confronting the suspect prevented a potential crime from occurring and demonstrated the importance of taking action to protect one’s safety and privacy. By holding the man down until security arrived, she ensured that he was held accountable for his actions and that measures were taken to address the incident. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of remaining vigilant and speaking out against misconduct to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all.
