By now, you probably know that the the final Harry Potter flick, which opened Thursday, raked in more money than any other first weekend in movie history. It also attracted a lot of people dressed like the movie’s characters who are now wondering what to do with their (evidently empty) lives going forward. But in addition to all the expectant muggles who were too lazy to read the books and wanted to see how the whole thing came out, the movie also attracted at least one patron who (allegedly) likes watching the kiddies just a little too much…
Plainville, Connecticut cops were tipped off that Eric Gothberg, who was wanted on child pornography charges, would be at the midnight screening Thursday. I guess if you’re looking for a pedophile, a Harry Potter movie might be a good place to start.
Plainville cops Tim Mulvaney and Jon Eno approached Gothberg as he left the theater.
The officers attempted to take Gothberg into custody, but the suspect was not compliant. The suspect made sudden movements toward his pants waist-line, which caused the officers to discharge their weapons in the direction of the accused.
At the same time, two more officers were arriving as backup. Unfortunately, Mulvaney and Eno mostly missed. Mostly missed Gothberg, at least.
One policeman arriving as back-up was hit by a bullet in his arm. Another was injured by shards of glass. Both officers were taken to St Francis Hospital in Hartford where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries. Gothberg, who was not armed, was shot in the foot and was also taken to hospital.
It turns out Gothberg did not, in fact, have a gun. Which isn’t to say he didn’t reach for his waistband. If you’re a cop, you’ve got a guy who isn’t cooperating and he suddenly reaches for his waistband, you probably aren’t going to wait very long to see if he produces a heater.
Another caveat: we’re relying on media reports here. But it’s probably safe to assume that, at minimum, they got the basic facts correct about the hole in Gothberg’s foot and the other two officers being shot as well. Extenuating circumstances? Sure. It was dark (2:00 am).
Thank goodness no one was seriously injured. And that none of the other Potter fans leaving the theater were hit. You can only imagine how many kids were probably in the crowd. In the mean time, it might be good if Mulvaney and Eno get in a little range time while they’re on desk duty.
[h/t to AI link-master, Patrick Brown]