# Florida Movie Theater Shooting Leaves One Dead In Altercation Over Texting **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 13, 2014, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717 "2014-01-13T22:44:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/41 "2014-01-14T13:04:36Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > Absolutely justified shooting. I agree. The article said that popcorn was thrown, placing the retired cop in reasonable fear for his life. As a veteran of the force, he’s seen too many incidents where a stray kernel gets lodged in someone’s windpipe and takes them down. It can happen at _Deep Throat_, it can happen at _Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo_. Too many dead kids. Too many officer funerals. He’s seen it all, and he’s tired. So tired. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/42 "2014-01-14T13:14:40Z")
Maybe this can be worked into the theater’s on-screen warnings about not texting during the movie. “Don’t let this happen to you.” It’s sort of inconsiderate to shoot someone like that and inconvenience the other patrons. I hope they got refunds. ---
**Author:** ![Cinnamon\_Imp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58956e/32.png) [@Cinnamon\_Imp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cinnamon_Imp)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/43 "2014-01-14T13:47:11Z")
I’m suspecting the SDMB has one less poster now. (The shooter, not the shot!) ---
**Author:** ![DrumBum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e79b87/32.png) [@DrumBum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrumBum)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/44 "2014-01-14T13:47:48Z")
From the article: > [@](#): > > … at the Cobb Theatres Grove 16 theater, which has a strict no-weapons policy. Well, that didn’t work out very well. ---
**Author:** ![buddha\_david](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee7513/32.png) [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/45 "2014-01-14T13:51:50Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > What do you suppose the killer’s wife is going through right now? The victim’s pockets looking for loose change? (Sorry…in a dark mood today.) ---
**Author:** ![not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/not_what_you_d_expect/32/3246_2.png) [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/46 "2014-01-14T13:55:33Z")
> [@Count\_Blucher](#): > > You know, this sort of thing Never happens during ‘August: Osage County’. > > (Just sayin’) I’d almost rather be shot than sit through that one. I am wondering if the shooter is a doper though. I’m going to have to give up going to the cinema if this shit keeps up! ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/47 "2014-01-14T13:57:08Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > There’s really no defense. He shot and killed an unarmed man. He’ll be in prison the rest of his life. Forget it Jake, it’s Florida. ---
**Author:** ![LawMonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d6d6ee/32.png) [@LawMonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LawMonkey)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/48 "2014-01-14T14:01:29Z")
While I can understand the impulse, the shooter was really far more inconsiderate, as I imagine he didn’t distribute hearing protection before shooting the texter. While texting during a film is certainly rude, guns are really, **really** LOUD. Sure, he didn’t have to see that irritating LCD glow in front of him any more, but now he and everyone else in the theatre is going to be hearing this non-stop high-pitched whine throughout the rest of the film… ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/49 "2014-01-14T14:27:51Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > I agree. The article said that popcorn was thrown, placing the retired cop in reasonable fear for his life. As a veteran of the force, he’s seen too many incidents where a stray kernel gets lodged in someone’s windpipe and takes them down. It can happen at _Deep Throat_, it can happen at _Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo_. Too many dead kids. Too many officer funerals. He’s seen it all, and he’s tired. So tired. I just think you should be able to murder anyone who talks during movies, and texting should be a crucifying offence. Upon reading the thread, it looks like he was texting during coming attractions, so the proper thing would have been to just point the gun at the back of the guys head, but if he’s still texting during the opening credits for the movie: BLAM! Good point, **LawMonkey** , please turn off your cell phones and put on your silencers during the feature. ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/50 "2014-01-14T14:42:24Z")
Two threads on the topic merged (one from IMHO). ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/51 "2014-01-14T14:45:41Z")
> [@Cartooniverse](#): > > Naw. He’ll be reinstated and promoted. > > God bless the N.R.A… > > :rolleyes: Yes I’m sure that will happen. :rolleyes: Did you ever bother to read anything that was posted? The guy has been retired for 21 years and is 71. It would not surprise me if there was a medical issue at play here. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/52 "2014-01-14T14:57:17Z")
> [@buddha\_david](#): > > The victim’s pockets looking for loose change? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_Kirk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@Capt\_Kirk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_Kirk)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/53 "2014-01-14T15:06:15Z")
“Please turn off your cell phones and silence your weapons, our Feature Presentation is about to begin” **Capt** ---
**Author:** ![Falchion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a88e57/32.png) [@Falchion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Falchion)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/54 "2014-01-14T15:18:36Z")
This a pretty clear example of why only the police should have guns. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/55 "2014-01-14T15:22:14Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > It would not surprise me if there was a medical issue at play here. It would not surprise me if his condition deteriorates rapidly after he consults with his defense attorney. ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/56 "2014-01-14T15:26:18Z")
> [@Disposable Hero](#): > > Never heard of that movie and I assume its a comedy. At least I hope so because I laughed out loud at that clip. Move over in that basket. We’re both going to hell for laughing at it. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/57 "2014-01-14T15:55:57Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Makes me wonder if the guy was in early dementia? I think I saw that he retired in 1993, so he may indeed be getting up there. ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/58 "2014-01-14T16:02:42Z")
Hopefully he was considerate enough to use a silencer. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/59 "2014-01-14T16:47:19Z")
While I do think that killing was a bit on the harsh side, I won’t mourn for this miscreant. Texting in a movie theater is a clear sign that he has rejected the covenant of society and cares only for himself. Adios, MoFo. The world is better off without you. An armed society is a polite society. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/60 "2014-01-14T17:01:46Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > There’s really no defense. He shot and killed an unarmed man. He’ll be in prison the rest of his life. Have you not been paying attention? This happened in _Florida_. He’s already said the magic words: [ > [@](#): > > Sheriff’s Detective Allen Proctor wrote that Reeves spoke to Oulson during the movie previews, then got up from his seat and informed management. > > When Reeves returned to his seat “additional words were exchanged” and Oulson threw a bag of popcorn at Reeves, the report said. > > After officers read him his rights, **Reeves told the detective that Oulson struck him in the face with an unknown object** , and that’s when he removed a .380 caliber gun from his pants pocket. The report said Reeves fired the gun and struck Oulson once in the chest and that **he "was in fear of being attacked**." ]([http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US\_THEATER\_SHOOTING\_FLA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-01-14-11-22-17](http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_THEATER_SHOOTING_FLA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-01-14-11-22-17)) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717.md?page=4)