A man is in custody following a terrifying incident at the Regal Thornton Place movie theater on Friday night, where he allegedly threatened to “shoot everyone” while assaulting two patrons with a handgun.
The Seattle Police Department received reports just before 9:45 p.m. regarding a violent altercation that unfolded inside the theater, located on 103rd Street. According to witnesses, the suspect, a 30-year-old Seattle resident, became agitated after feeling “wronged” by a fellow moviegoer who walked past his row of seats. The situation escalated when the same individual passed by again, prompting the suspect to brandish a handgun and declare he had a gun.
In a shocking turn of events, the suspect reportedly struck one of the victims with the weapon. Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic as patrons attempted to wrestle the gun from the assailant, leading to the magazine being ejected. The theater was soon evacuated as frightened moviegoers rushed to safety.
Police arrived on the scene and found two victims: a 40-year-old man who suffered severe injuries, including a lacerated ear, and a 42-year-old woman with a significant head laceration. Both were treated for their injuries; however, their current conditions have not been disclosed.
The suspect attempted to flee the scene on foot but was quickly located and apprehended by responding officers. He has been booked into the King County Jail on multiple charges, including assault, felony harassment, and unlawful imprisonment.
Movie theaters typically implement several safety protocols to ensure the well-being of their patrons in case of emergencies. Clearly marked emergency exits are essential. Theaters often have illuminated exit signs and instructions on how to exit the building quickly in case of an emergency. Employees are trained in emergency response procedures, including evacuation protocols, first aid, and how to handle various emergency situations, such as medical emergencies or violent incidents.
Theaters often have PA systems to communicate important information to patrons during emergencies, providing clear instructions on what to do. Many theaters employ security staff or have a security plan in place to monitor the premises and respond quickly to any disturbances or threats.
During emergencies, procedures are established to manage crowd movement and prevent panic, ensuring a safe and orderly evacuation. Theaters typically display emergency contact information for local authorities and emergency services, making it easy for patrons to report incidents.
Some theaters conduct regular emergency drills to prepare both staff and patrons for potential emergencies, ensuring everyone knows the proper procedures. Emergency plans often consider patrons with disabilities, ensuring that all exits and safety measures are accessible to everyone.
