Authorities evacuated an Apple Valley movie theater after a man wearing body armor and carrying what was ultimately determined to be an airsoft rifle caused a panic on Sunday.
The incident unfolded about 4:20 p.m. at the Cinemark Jess Ranch, 8935 Bear Valley Road, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials said.
Deputies responded to a report of what was initially described as a man carrying a firearm and clad in a bullet proof walking into the theater. The theater was evacuated.
Cinemark Theater, 18935 Bear Valley Road in Apple Valley, pictured in a Google Street View image.
Byron DeShawn Murphy, 35, of Victorville was quickly taken into custody, according to a sheriff’s department statement.
The weapon he carried was determined to have been an airsoft rifle, capable of shooting only plastic BBs, officials said.
Murphy was arrested due to two outstanding warrants related to DUI as the investigation continued, according to officials and county booking records.
His intentions remained unclear.
“Apple Valley Police Department would like to thank the public’s cooperation and assistance with the calm evacuation of the theater,” according to the statement.
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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 may 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 with fake gun, body armor