A car engine backfired near a South Florida movie theater causing a panic, with some moviegoers calling 911 with reports of an active shooter Sunday night, according to the Davie Police Department.
No evidence of an active shooter was found, two Davie Police representatives said.
“Davie police officers responded to the Cinemark located at 15601 Sheridan St. in reference to a call that was received that an active shooter was in the theater. The building was cleared and there was no evidence of an active shooter found,” said Davie Police Sgt. Kelvin Urbaez.
“It appears a passing vehicle ‘backfired’ from the muffler area and caused confusion within,” he said. “Again, no evidence of any criminal activity was located. Officers checked the interior and exterior of the building as [a] precaution. Business should be going back to normal shortly.”
Social media posts from attendees indicated panic, confusion and a fast response from first responders.
“These boys active shooter response team on point though. #cinemark,” wrote one Twitter user.
“Watching House of Gucci … when alarm went off and theater was evacuated,” wrote a user on Instagram. “Now lots of cops and fire truck. Hundreds of us standing around. No everyone just told to get much further away. Must be at least 20 police cars.”
“When you’re in the best part of Spider-Man, with the adrenaline on suddenly the movie alarms go off and you have to run out, Priceless,” wrote another.
Austen Erblat can be reached at , 954-599-8709 or on Twitter @AustenErblat.
