Updated on August 8th at 9:59 a.m.:
A mug shot of the man allegedly carrying an exposed loaded gun, Sung H. Hwang, has been released by New Haven Police.
Original Story:
At 10:11 p.m. on Aug. 7, New Haven Police were called to the Criterion - Bow Tie Cinemas at 86 Temple St after theater management reported a man inside one of the theaters had a handgun.
Officers arrived within minutes and were given the suspect's description. The usher told them at least three patrons had said the armed man was inside, but it was unclear whether he was in theater one or two.
The patrons said that the suspect had a gun in his waistband on his back and it was not concealed. Theater two was featuring the film 'The Watch.'
That theater was searched by the first arriving officers. Officers then moved to theater one, which had about a dozen patrons inside. The Batman film, 'The Dark Knight Rises' was featured there and had not yet begun to play.
The theater house lights were illuminated as Officers entered. Patrons were told to raise their hands and file from the theater. As they exited they were patted down and escorted outside.
Officers identified the suspect and with weapons drawn, ordered the suspect to put his hands up. He allegedly remained in his seat while using his cell phone.
He allegedly did not comply with the officers' commands, and was taken into custody by force. Officers allegedly removed a loaded handgun from the suspect's waistband at the small of his back.
The armed man, Sung H. Hwang, age 46 of New Haven, was handcuffed and removed from the theater. Hwang possesses a valid State of CT permit to carry a pistol.
The theater had received no threats prior to this incident.
Hwang was arrested and charged with breach of peace and interfering with an officer.
Theatergoers who were viewing the 10:20 p.m. screening of 'The Watch' described Hwang as wearing a v-neck shirt and jeans. "Some guy had a gun showing under his belt. He was walking behind us."
When the man walked past the theatergoers, they saw he had a gun tucked into the back of his pants. They believed he was not on his way into 'The Watch.' "We talked to each other and then we talked to the manager [of the theatre]," said one of the theatergoers.
Attorney Scott McMillan of San Diego left a screening 'Ted' with his family at midnight. McMillan was not aware of the alleged armed man, but said he "felt safe" knowing that the alleged armed man had a permit.
