Authorities evacuated an Apple Valley movie theater after a man wearing body armor and carrying an airsoft gun caused panic Sunday.
The incident happened around 4:20 p.m. at the Cinemark Jess Ranch, 8935 Bear Valley Road, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials said.
Officers responded to a report of what was initially described as a man carrying a firearm and dressed in bulletproof material walking into the theater. The theater was evacuated.
Cinemark Theater, 18935 Bear Valley Road in Apple Valley, shown in a Google Street View image.
Byron DeShawn Murphy, 35, of Victorville, was quickly taken into custody, according to a sheriff’s office statement.
The weapon he was carrying was determined to be an airsoft gun, which could only shoot plastic BBs, officials said.
Murphy was arrested on two outstanding warrants related to driving under the influence while the investigation continued, according to officials and county booking records.
His intentions remained unclear.
“The Apple Valley Police Department would like to thank the public’s cooperation and assistance in the peaceful evacuation of the theater,” the statement said.
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Anyone with information was urged to contact the Apple Valley Police Department at (760) 240-7400, or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Tips can also be reported anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463.3
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Main enters Apple Valley movie theater wearing fake gun and body armor
