Teen Sentenced For Role in Newport Beach Theater Scare

NEWPORT BEACH, CA - A 19-year-old Newport Beach man pleaded guilty Tuesday for his part in a prank aimed at frightening theatergoers watching the movie "The Gift" last summer and was immediately ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.

Colin Hunter Davis was also placed on three years of informal probation.

He was scheduled for a hearing a year from now to show proof he completed the community service and to be given a chance to withdraw his plea.

Davis pleaded guilty to participating in an unlawful assembly, disturbing the peace and trespassing with the intent to interfere with business, all misdemeanors.

Police also questioned a 16-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a 17- year-old boy in connection with the Aug. 8 incident at the Edwards Big Newport 6 theater, but it was not immediately known if the teens were named in a juvenile petition.

The suspects got into the Edwards Big Newport 6 theater in the 300 block of Newport Center Drive through an emergency exit on a Saturday night and held a leaf blower aloft while revving its motor, according to Jennifer Manzella of the Newport Beach Police Department.

Some patrons scrambled for the exits, causing three people to sustain minor injuries, Manzella said.

One theatergoer suffered a broken toe, according to prosecutors.

--CITY NEWS SERVICE; IMAGE VIA SHUTTERSTOCK