GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. — Glynn County police said a teen brought a rifle into Glynn Place Cinemas Monday, but that was not why he was arrested.
On Monday at around 4:45 p.m., officers responded to the theater in response to the 18-year-old.
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Investigators said witnesses saw the suspect carrying a rifle in a case inside the movie theater. Police said that when the suspect was asked to leave, he hid the weapon and tried to return to the movie.
The rifle, an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 rifle, was purchased legally according to police, and carrying the weapon was legal under Georgia law.
The suspect, identified as Jose Rafael Gonzalez Jr., 18, was removed for trespassing and later released without charges.
Action News Jax’s Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson explained, “you are permitted to carry a long gun, shotgun, or rifle in open display.”
He added, “In this time, displaying a weapon, whether a rifle or handgun, in public — it will put you in a position where you’ll be scrutinized very carefully.”
Glynn County Police Department said over the next 36 hours, investigators found threats toward the mall and movie theater staff made on social media.
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Gonzalez was detained by Glynn County Schools Police Department when he arrived at school Wednesday morning.
After being interviewed by investigators, Gonzalez was placed under arrest and charged with terroristic threats.
“It’s kind of nerve-wracking to come up here and hear this when you pull up right before you go to watch a movie,” Scott Tanner, a Brunswick resident, said.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact GCPD at (912) 554-7802 or Silent Witness at (912) 264-1333.
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