Authorities say a man pulled a gun in a Kentucky movie theater after a 14-year-old boy behind him repeatedly kicked his seat.
On the morning of Saturday, July 23, John Hempen, 38, and his son – whose name have not been released – were watching Star Trek Beyond at a Cinemark Theater in Paducah when they were suddenly confronted by 68-year-old John Grabinski of Ozark, IL, who was sitting in front of them.
Witnesses say Grabinski “cursed at the teen,” asking if he was going to “continue to kick his seat.” At that point, the father of the teen boy interceded and reportedly exchanged detestable words with Grabinski.
Moments after the confrontation a fight ensued between the two men, but “as the father got the upper hand in the fight,” it was reported that:
“…The other man pulled a gun and said, ‘What the (expletive) are you going to do now?'”
Moviegoers immediately ran out of the theater after witnessing Grabinski pull a gun on the father and son, according to the Paducah Police Department Facebook page.
It was reported that three men, including a Cinemark Theater employee, “escorted the man outside” and waited for Paducah police officials to arrive at the Kentucky movie theater.
Paducah police officials arrested Grabinski, who admitted that although he did not “fear for his life,” he did, in fact, pull a gun on the father and son.
However, Grabinski claimed it was only after becoming “disoriented after being hit” by Hempen.
Authorities say no shots were fired during the Kentucky movie theater brawl and no one sustained any injuries.
Moviegoers were later allowed to return to the movie theater and continue watching “Star Trek Beyond.”
Although Grabinski was reportedly licensed to carry a gun, he has since been banned from the Cinemark property as their:
“…Cinemark prohibits patrons from bringing guns inside its theaters.”
The suspect is expected to appear before a McCracken County judge today and could face a “misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge.”
Featured Image: Screenshot via Pix 11 Video.
