Local Police, Theaters React To Deadly Colorado 'Batman' Shooting

 Police throughout the Lower Hudson Valley today are preparing for increased patrols as movie theaters screen Batman: The Dark Knight Rises in the wake of a fatal shooting at a movie theater's premier in Aurora, CO.

A gunman armed with a shotgun, assault rifle and handgun killed 12 people and injured over 50 others early Friday morning. The suspected shooter—24-year-old James Holmes, who lived four miles away—is currently in police custody.

Still, several screenings in Westchester, Putnam and Rockland remain sold out or near capacity.

In Bedford, police are saying an increased presence at The Bedford Playhouse .

"Yes, we'll have increased visibility there, it's definitely on our radar," said Bedford Police Lieutenant Jeffrey Dickan. "Because of this tragedy, we're prepared to respond to any type of incident."

West of the Hudson, in Rockland County, Clarkstown Police are .

"The Clarkstown Police Department is asking the public to contact 911 immediately if they see or hear anything suspicious," said Sgt. Jo Anne Fratianni.

West Nyack is home to the Palisades Center, which holds an IMAX theater that draws viewers from Rockland, Westchester and New Jersey. All the IMAX screenings for The Dark Knight Rises are sold out for today, and none have been cancelled, according to theater officials.

Port Chester Police told Patch they will be keeping an eye on the sprawling AMC Lowes Theater within the village.

In Putnam County, many screenings are drawing big crowds.

“[Moviegoers] are just excited to see the movie,” said Justin Occhino, a supervisor at the Route 52 theater in Carmel, said Friday afternoon. Occhino added that the movie theater has not been in touch with local authorities about increased police presence.

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