Incidents prompt sheriff to address movie theater safety

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly meets with Epic Theatres leaders

Sheriff Rick Staly and Undersheriff Jack Bisland meet with the leadership of Epic Theatres, Clint DeMarsh and Joe DeMarsh (Photo courtesy: Flagler County Sheriff's Office)

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Incidents at a Palm Coast movie theater prompted Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly to meet Wednesday with leaders of the cinema, the Sheriff's Office said. 

Deputies said a person, who has not been identified, created panic at the Epic Theatres last Friday evening by yelling, "Gun, gun."

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Investigators said they did not find any evidence, witnesses who saw a gun, or anyone who provided any indication that a firearm had been discharged. 

After that incident, as well as a recently reported robbery out the the theater, Staly asked for an analysis, which revealed that there were no significant or unusual levels of activity at the theater that created a reason for alarm. 

“The level of activity over the past few years does not support a real concern at the Epic Theatres,” Staly said.

Staly and Undersheriff Jack Bisland met Wednesday in Bunnell with the leadership of Epic Theatres, Clint DeMarsh and Joe DeMarsh to create a partnership to ensure the safety of the moviegoers. 

“We are part of this community and will work with the Sheriff’s Office to make sure our theater continues to be a safe place for families," Joe DeMarsh said.

They said the newly created relationship between Epic Theatres and the Sheriff’s Office will keep the lines of communication open to ensure a safe environment for the community.