Battery Caused 'Gunshot' Sound At Howell Movie Theater: PD

HOWELL, NJ — A heavy battery that hit the floor at a movie theater and made a noise that sounded like a gunshot cleared a movie theater at the Xscape movie theatre on Route 9 Sunday night, Howell police said.

Police said the incident happened toward then end of a screening at the theater. A caretaker for a person in a wheelchair who was at the movie entered the theater toward the end of the movie and set down a backpack. The backpack contained a large heavy battery for the electric wheelchair, and as the caretaker put the backpack down, it hit the floor awkwardly, making a noise that sounded like a gunshot.

The noise caused patrons to evacuate and call 911, police said.

There were 10 Howell patrol units that responded, and Lakewood and Jackson police provided assistance, they said.

All of the officers were used to clear the entire theatre, parking lot and surrounding areas. Southard Fire, Howell First Aid Squad and Howell Police EMS also responded, police said.

"We thank all agencies involved for their assistance," Chief Andrew J. Kudrick Jr. said. "We also acknowledge the patrons who thought there was something suspicious and did something about it. They didn’t ignore it. Although this was not a legitimate incident, all the patrons thought it was at the time. This is another example why it is so important if you 'see something, say something.' "

PREVIOUSLY:

Howell police have a person detained following 911 calls Sunday night reporting an incident at the Xscape movie theater, police said.

Howell police announced via social media about 10 p.m. that reports of a shooting at the movie theater were false.

"There is no emergency at the movie theatre. Howell Police Communications received several 9-1-1 calls reporting a shooting. There was no shooting. We have one subject detained."

Police said more information will be issued later.

Image via Howell Police