Yelling Leaf-Blower in a Crowded Theater

[MechAg94]

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2015/08/10/3-hurt-in-leaf-blower-prank-at-newport-beach-movie-theater/

Police sought the public’s help Monday in identifying what appeared to be pranksters who entered a Newport Beach movie theater with a leaf-blower.

One suspects entered the theater through the emergency door, holding “some type of loud, handheld machine” later determined to be a leaf-blower over his head, police said.
The suspect yelled, shook the leaf-blower, and revved its engine to create a loud and disturbing noise, witnesses told investigators.

Just a harmless prank right?  Just crazy teenagers.  

I am thinking in some locations they could have been shot.  They are also lucky no one was hurt seriously hurt also.  I can imagine the civil suits resulting.

[dogmush]

I am thinking in some locations they could have been shot.  They are also lucky no one was hurt seriously hurt also.  I can imagine the civil suits resulting.

Not legally.

They are stupid,  and are lucky that no one got seriously hurt,  but I can't drum up much sympathy for folks that were stampeded by a leaf blower.

[K Frame]

I was in fear for my landscaping.

[Balog]

Not legally.

They are stupid,  and are lucky that no one got seriously hurt,  but I can't drum up much sympathy for folks that were stampeded by a leaf blower.

But cops shoot people every day for holding a wallet or cell phone or even just making a furtive movement. Surely a non-cop would be justified in firing on an individual doing something deliberately intended to mimic an attack, right? Right?






















































































Yeah, I guess you're right.

[vaskidmark]

Not legally.

.

Let's look at what might come of a self-defense shooting in places where the actual carry of firearms is lawful.

trespass - most likely
discharge of firearm within city limits - highly probable
wounding/maiming/homicide - probable but the excusable/justified defense and a whole lot of money should get you acquitted
emotional trauma/ptsd civil lawsuits from 2/3 of the folks whose lives you saved - given the judicial system these days highly likely (depending on what you own/what your pay is)

Two misdemeanors, a felony, and your house, car and future earnings.

Fork that.  My plan is still to dive to the floor and look around for the fattest person in my row to hide behind.  If the threat is imminent and personal the plan changes to ventilation at high velocity.

stay safe.

[230RN]

Maybe the theatre managers should start issuing laser pointers to everyone.
 

[Boomhauer]

An supreme ass beating is called for in this kind of situation

[MechAg94]

I was just thinking about a dark area where you can't see well.  I guess that is why it is good to have a tactical light/laser on your carry pistol.

If the guy just stayed at the exit door, there would be little justification to shoot.  There should also have been little reason to panic and run.

[Tallpine]

He's going to go to the Special Hell, the one reserved for child molesters and people who bring leaf blowers into the theater.