Police arrested a man who entered a movie theater Sunday with an airsoft rifle and a tactical vest, prompting an evacuation, according to the Apple Valley Police Department.
At around 4:19 p.m., deputies responded to the Cinemark at 18935 Bear Valley Road after receiving a report of a person wearing a bulletproof vest and possessing a firearm entering the movie theater, according to a department report.
When officers arrived and evacuated the theater, they quickly discovered the suspect with an airsoft rifle and a vest.
Police identified the suspect as 35-year-old Byron Deshawn Murphy of Victorville and discovered he also had a warrant for misdemeanor battery.
Murphy was booked into the High Desert Detention Center, but police did not immediately say whether Murphy had been released on bail.
“The Apple Valley Police Department would like to thank the public for their cooperation and assistance in the calm evacuation of the theater,” the department’s release states.
Details are limited, and preliminary reports do not say how long the evacuation lasted or whether there were any developments after Murphy entered the theater.
The department is asking anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Deputy Dominguez at the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Office at 760-240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at 760-956-5001.
To remain anonymous, callers can call the We-Tip hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
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