Accused Movie Theater Shooter Said He Was 'In Fear of Being Attacked'

Yahoo News/Good Morning America ^ | STEVE OSUNSAMI, SENI TIENABESO and COLLEEN CURRY (GMA)

[Anton.Rutter]

The elderly man accused of shooting a movie theater patron in Florida after an argument over text messaging told police that he fired because he "was in fear of being attacked."

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said at a news conference today that the victim, Chad Oulson, 43, was texting his young daughter's babysitter when an argument erupted with Reeves over texting during previews before the movie "Lone Survivor."

[momtothree]

Nazi zot alert!

[a fool in paradise]

Well, they have a theater full of witnesses, so I’m sure they’ll be able to determine that.

It was a noon-ish matinee and at least one patron was unaware of even the shooting. The theater was likely not full nor was everyone there a "witness".

[a fool in paradise]

we could be hearing about more coffins and grieving families over texting.

This wasn't about texting. It was about Butthead vs. Butthead. Plain and simple.

[MrB]

There needs to be some INDIVIDUAL and PERSONAL civil consequences for government agents who abuse their positions for personal gain.

Like - losing their house and any other assets in a lawsuit.

[momtothree]

I’m all for disagreement on a subject. I’m all for a heated discussion. But, when someone says proudly that their grandfather gassed someone... that isn’t what FR is about in my honest opinion. Just my two cents, Travis.. but I was beyond appalled with that comment.

[latina4dubya]

it probably did happen so fast... it is a natural reaction and probably happened in a split second... you don’t even realize what is happening... she was fearful... probably more fearful than her husband was... he probably thought he could handle what was happening... but as a woman, she was afraid... i could see her trying to shield him without really knowing for sure what was going to happen... i have done it with my kids... my husband has done it with me...

[kjam22]

Neither diffused the situation. But one shot and killed a guy who was only armed with popcorn. Send him to prison. I have no time for cops or x-cops like this guy.

[a fool in paradise]

Her boyfriend is an ass because he made no effort to pick them up for her. He instead intimidated you into doing it for him.

[Boogieman]

News coverage has quoted multiple witnesses, so there should be plenty available to testify.

[Alas Babylon!]

Johnny “Sue” Cash shot a man just to see him die.

[SoFloFreeper]

I believed George Zimmerman’s claim of self defense.

This guy, this old man, is full of crap. It’ll take a smooth talking defense lawyer to convince me he isn’t guilty of murder.

[Admin Moderator]

His suspension was just upgraded.

[Rum Tum Tugger]

A couple has come forward to say that they had a similar experience with Reeves in December at the same theater. When they texted during a movie, Reeves was incensed. Ironically, a little while later Reeves’ wife got a call on her cellphone — apparently, her ringer was rather loud.

[Wolfie]

I’m tellin’ ya, this guy’s going to walk.

[a fool in paradise]

He decided to rat the guy out to the manager.

There is nothing wrong about that action. And certainly nothing worthy of taunts and violence.

[Sherman Logan]

The one reserved for child molesters and people who talk in the theater.

Though I’m not entirely sure texting during previews should be counted.

[Celtic Conservative]

I believe you when you say you are frustrated when you see the abhorrent and unprofessional behavior of some cops these days. Sometimes like now I see the same things other cops do and think "wow, that was pretty dumb". None of that " thin blue line" crap for or from me. There are times, however when I reserve judgement on some of the cases I hear about for one simple reason: The mainstream media does not like law enforcement. The mainstream media sometimes distorts police-related stories for sensationalistic or political purposes. I have been branded a jackbooted thug or worse when I reserve judgement on some of the cases posted on FR. The truth is I just want to see how some of these situations play out in the courts because I don't trust our media to report some items about cops and law enforcement in a truthful and unbiased manner.

CC

[Alas Babylon!]

Yes. Loud-mouth Nazi fan boy needs to be reminded who LOST WWII now and then.

Back in 1996 a German was criticizing me for still being in his country. “After all,” he said, “The Soviets are no more. You need to leave!” I told him, “Not so fast Herman. We’re really here to keep stepping on your necks so we don’t have to come back and kill you all over again.”

Not really true but you should have seen the look on his face!

[a fool in paradise]

You posted a link in this thread that confirmed he DID talk to management. Never did see the “so I was wrong about” post though.

Others carried your talking point and the misinformation will continue to spread.

[Shannon]

But one shot and killed a guy who was only armed with popcorn.

And Trayvon only had Skittles.

I think you're oversimplifying things. If you're the one who just got hit in the face with a bag of popcorn, would you even realize it was just popcorn? Regardless, would you wonder what, if anything, was coming next? The fact that the dead man's wife was holding him back with her hand, would that make you wonder if more was coming your way?

To throw the bag of popcorn in the older man's face was an assault. Sorry, but it was. Should the older man have gotten up and walked away? Yes!

I'll say it again; either man could have diffused things.