A man allegedly attacked a 63-year-old man at a movie theater in Broward County, Florida, during an argument over seating.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday the alleged attacker “gave his worst performance” at the theater, and detectives are working to find him.
The victim told the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) Violent Crimes Unit detectives that on the evening of July 10, he and his wife arrived at the Pompano Beach theater after buying VIP tickets with advanced seating, the law enforcement agency said in a press release Thursday.
However, when the couple entered the theater, the victim saw another man and woman in their seats, the agency continued:
According to the preliminary investigation, the victim politely asked the subject to move from their seats. Witnesses said that’s when the subject became hostile, standing up and aggressively getting in the victim’s face. The subject got so close to the victim that it forced him to take a step back ending up on the stairs in the aisle of the theater.
The video captured the moment the verbal altercation turned physical. In the heated moment, the victim loses his balance and falls down the steps. The subject is seen standing above the 63-year-old victim repeatedly punching him in the face until witnesses rushed to the victim’s aid and pulled the subject off him.
As the two men engage, the woman behind the alleged attacker appears to place her hand on his shoulder to pull him off the victim, according to Fox 35.
However, other moviegoers rush over to stop the incident from progressing further as the woman stands back from the altercation.
The clip also shows the alleged attacker and woman walking down one of the AMC Theater’s hallways as if nothing happened, while a sign above one of the theater’s doors says, “Enjoy Your Movie.”
According to the sheriff’s office, the pair exited the building after the altercation that left the victim with head and face injuries.
The man was eventually taken to a hospital for treatment.
A close-up image shows the alleged attacker, wearing red shorts, a black printed T-shirt, and what appears to be a necklace:
Brawl in Florida movie theater. 63-year-old man attacked after telling couple they had taken his reserved seat. The Broward Sheriff’s Office is looking for the perpetrator. If you know him, call 954 601-5905. pic.twitter.com/bZ8E4qV7bg
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) July 21, 2023
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened at the AMC Theater located at 2315 North Federal Highway.
The agency is hoping those with more information regarding the case will call BSO Detective Lacey Fitzpatrick at 954-601-5905. They can also submit tips via the SaferWatch app.