Theater Prankster Barricaded Door, Set Off Fire Extinguisher

CITRUS PARK, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help identifying the person or people responsible for creating a panic at Regal Cinemas Citrus Park over the weekend.

According to the agency, the fire extinguisher in the 7999 Citrus Park Town Center Mall’s theater No. 20 was set off around 8:38 p.m. Feb. 25. That activation caused carbon dioxide to flow into the theater.

Patrons who attempted to get out using the exit found themselves unable to open the door, the sheriff’s office wrote in a Monday email to media. It seems the prankster also managed to barricade the main entrance and exit to the theater.

Patrons were able to get out using the emergency exit near the movie screen, the sheriff’s office said.

Detectives reviewed theater surveillance footage with no leads found, the agency noted.

Anyone with information about the suspects is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 813-247-8200. Tips may also be submitted for a possible cash reward via Crime Stoppers by calling 800-873-TIPS or going online to www.crimestopperstb.com.

No further information is available at this time.

Image via Shutterstock