On Sunday afternoon, pandemonium struck at the Apple Valley Cinemark as a 35-year-old man from Victorville was arrested after he walked into the movie theater clad in a tactical vest and carrying what appeared to be a firearm. According to KTLA, authorities responded to the scene at around 4:19 pm following frantic calls about the individual's suspicious appearance. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputies quickly evacuated the cinema, ensuring moviegoers' safety before apprehending the suspect.

The man was identified as Byron DeShawn Murphy, who, upon being detained, was found to be carrying an airsoft rifle. The incident, which swiftly escalated into an emergency requiring law enforcement to hastily ensure the patrons' evacuation, was resolved without any reported injuries. The department has commended the public for their cooperation in a statement obtained by Nixle. Murphy was also discovered to have outstanding misdemeanor warrants and was booked at the High Desert Detention Center. Details regarding bail have not been disclosed.

As investigators delve deeper into the case, they urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The department has provided contact details for Deputy Dominguez at the Apple Valley Sheriff’s station and for Sheriff’s Dispatch, stressing that tipsters can remain anonymous should they choose to provide details through the We-Tip Hotline or the website.

The Apple Valley Police Department extended gratitude to the public for their assistance during the nervously conducted evacuation. "The Apple Valley Police Department would like to thank the public’s cooperation and assistance with the calm evacuation of the theater," according to the department's release referenced by KTLA. While the immediate threat was neutralized, the investigation remains ongoing, and officials are keen to thoroughly investigate the suspect's motivations and intentions behind the disconcerting event.