A Florida man who shot and killed another man after an argument at a movie theater over texting was a retired police officer, the Associated Press reports.
Curtis Reeves, 71, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Chad Oulson, 43. Reeves is being held without bond.
Reeves served as a police officer for more than two decades until his retirement in 1993. In performance reviews obtained by the AP, Reeves received generally good remarks for his leadership skills, problem-solving, and ability to manage stressful situations.
“Captain Reeves not only has the ability to act decisively when necessary but has the foresight to initiate the proper course of action to avoid conflict,” one job performance review states.
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco says that Reeve’s praiseworthy career shouldn’t offset the seriousness of the charges. “It didn’t matter what he had done previously in his life. You don’t shoot someone over a texting incident,” Nocco said.
Officials say Reeves initially asked Oulson to stop texting during the movie previews in the Wesley Chapel theater. Oulson was texting his young daughter during the movie previews when the altercation occurred. Reeves then attempted to remedy the situation by leaving to inform management. Upon returning to his seat, Reeves told police the two continued to exchange words, and Oulson struck him in the face with an unknown object. Fearing that he was being attacked, Reeves pulled a .380-caliber from his pants pocket and shot Oulson once in the chest.
Oulson’s wife, who had taken the day off for a lunch and movie date with him, was struck in her hand when she raised it in defense. The bullet then went into Oulson’s chest. He later died from the gunshot.
Reeves’ attorney, Richard Escobar, is using self-defense in their case. Oulson allegedly threw something, possibly popcorn, at Reeves. ”The alleged victim attacked him. At that point in time he has every right to defend himself,” Escobar said.
The judge disagreed saying, “ throwing” an unknown object does not equal taking out a gun to shoot someone. CNN reports that Reeves had a similar incident with another moviegoer just weeks before the shooting.
If convicted Reeves could face life in prison.