An unsettling incident unfolded in Seattle on Friday night when a 30-year-old man was arrested for assaulting two moviegoers with a gun inside a theater, causing chaos and panic among patrons.
The altercation took place at Regal Thornton Place just before 10 p.m. According to the Seattle Police Department, the suspect became agitated when a fellow moviegoer walked past his row of seats multiple times. This led to a confrontation where the suspect brandished a handgun and proceeded to physically assault one of the victims.
As the situation escalated, other patrons intervened in an attempt to disarm the suspect. In the scuffle that ensued, the magazine of the firearm was ejected, prompting a mass evacuation as terrified moviegoers fled the theater.
During the commotion, the suspect made alarming threats, including shouting that he had a gun and threatening to shoot everyone present. Police swiftly arrived at the scene and managed to apprehend the uncooperative suspect.
Two victims of the assault sought assistance from officers at the theater. A 40-year-old male sustained a partially lacerated ear, while a 42-year-old woman suffered a head laceration. Both individuals received immediate medical attention on-site before being transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
The 30-year-old suspect was subsequently booked into King County Jail on charges of assault in the first degree, felony harassment, and unlawful imprisonment. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of swift police response and the bravery of bystanders in the face of danger.
