Newport moviegoers flee theater, fearing attack during ‘prank’

Moviegoers ran from what they thought was a chainsaw-wielding attacker Saturday night when a small group burst into a Newport Beach theater and revved the motor of a leaf blower, police said.

A few patrons were trampled as panicked viewers fled a showing of “The Gift” at Edwards Big Newport 6 shortly before 11 p.m., Newport Beach police spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella said. No major injuries were reported, she said.

Some in the audience thought the theater was being stormed by a gunman, according to police.

Investigators think two or three men in their late teens to early 30s intended to scare moviegoers, Manzella said. “It appears they were trying to lead people to believe there was a weapon,” she said.

Considering attacks that have happened in movie theaters around the country, Saturday’s scare is “not something we consider just a minor prank,” Manzella said.

Authorities said at least one of the men was in the theater during the movie and opened an exit door so another could enter with the leaf blower. He then held the blower over his head, yelled and revved the motor, according to police.

“Several seconds later, all of the suspects exited the theater through the same emergency exit door,” Manzella said.

Police set up a perimeter, but the men had already fled.

Newport Beach police asked that anyone with information about the case contact Det. Joshua Vincelet at (949) 644-3779 or jvincelet@nbpd.org. Anonymous tips can be left at (800) 550-NBPD (550-6273).