Ohio man arrested for carrying weapons into ‘Dark Knight Rises’

Scott Smith

WESTLAKE, Ohio (FOX8 Cleveland, Dan Jovic) — Authorities in Westlake say a North Ridgeville man was arrested on Saturday evening after he brought a loaded handgun, ammunition and knives into a showing of “The Dark Knight Rises” at a Westlake movie theater.

Westlake Police Lt. Ray Arcuri tells Fox 8 News’ Elisa Amigo, 37-year-old Scott Smith of North Ridgeville was arrested and charged after being found with numerous weapons in a backpack while seated inside the Regal Cinemas at Crocker Park.

The incident comes nearly two and half weeks after the shooting at an Aurora movie theater at the premiere of “The Dark Knight Rises.” Suspected gunman James Holmes is due to make another court appearance Thursday.

Arcuri says a manager at the theater and a security guard noticed Smith’s odd behavior and asked to see what was in the backpack.

According to Arcuri, Smith sat down for a 10:00 p.m. showing of the movie around 9:00 p.m., an hour early. Arcuri says Smith sat alone in the back row of the empty theater.

The security guard, an off-duty Westlake Police Officer, discovered a loaded 9mm handgun with two additional ammunition magazines and three knives. The officer then frisked Smith and discovered a fourth knife.

A search warrant for Smith’s home was obtained by authorities and according to Arcuri numerous weapons were seized. Smith’s car and cell phone were also seized by authorities. Arcuri added that Smith had hundreds of pictures of guns on his phone.

Smith is currently being held in the Westlake City jail awaiting transfer to Cuyahoga County’s jail. He has been charged on six counts related to the incident, including charges violating Ohio’s conceal and carry gun laws.

Arcuri say that Smith could be facing additional charges related to the incident.

Smith has no prior criminal record according to Arcuri.