Cops: Armed Man Arrested at New Haven Movie Theater

Editor's Note: An article on the arrest first appeared on Milford Patch.

At approximately 10:11 p.m. Tuesday, August 7, New Haven Police were called to the Criterion - Bow Tie Cinemas at 86 Temple St. for reports of an armed man in the movie theater, according to Police Officer David Hartman.

The following information comes from Hartman's written account.

Theater management reported a man inside allegedly had a handgun on him and was inside either theater one or two.

Officers arrived within minutes and were given a description of the suspect.

The armed man was identified by police as Sung H. Hwang, age 46, of New Haven. He was handcuffed and removed from the theater. Hwang possesses a valid state of Connecticut permit to carry a pistol, according to Hartman.

He was arrested and charged with breach of peace and interfering with police.

The usher told police at least three patrons said the armed man was inside, but it was unclear which theater he was in. They said the suspect had a gun in his waistband on his back and it was not concealed, Hartman said. Theater one was showing 'The Dark Knight Rises.' Theater two was featuring the film 'The Watch.'

Theater two was searched by the first arriving officers, Hartman reported. Officers then moved to theater one, which had about a dozen patrons inside. 'The Dark Knight Rises' had not yet begun to play. 

The theater house lights were illuminated as officers entered, Hartman said. Patrons were told to raise their hands and file from the theater. As they exited, they were patted down and escorted outside.

Officers identified the suspect and with weapons drawn, ordered the suspect to put his hands up. He remained in his seat while using his cell phone.  

The suspect reportedly did not comply with the officer's commands and was taken into custody by force, Hartman said, adding that officers removed a loaded handgun from the suspect's waistband at the small of his back.

The theater received no threats prior to this incident, according to police.

Scott McMillan of San Diego was leaving a screening of 'Ted' with his family at approximately midnight on Wednesday, August 8. McMillan told Milford Patch he was not aware of the allegedly armed man, but said he felt safe because the allegedly armed man had a permit.