Nationwide movie theater threat affects Ashtabula location, leaves movie goers frustrated

ASHTABULA, Ohio - Movie goers were frustrated after another threat involved movie theaters, including one in Ashtabula.

With a popcorn bucket in his hand, Justin Bovee sighed while saying, "I think it's just the world we live in now-a-days you know, I mean ... anything can happen any time."

Bovee's reactions were to the unexpected threat that sent authorities all across the country rushing to secure Carmike Cinemas state-to-state. In Ashtabula, police rushed to the cinema tucked behind the Ashtabula Towne Square mall.

Nick Rosati said, "I think that's great that they were able to get here right away and not just blow it off and look at it as a prank and they were serious about it."

But unfortunately, it was another act against movie goers after authorities said a bomb threat was called in to the Carmike Cinema headquarters late Thursday night in Georgia. An ABC affiliate in Texas said the threats specifically targeted "The Expendables 2," an action flick that Ashtabula Carmike regular Justin Bovee had just seen with friends.

"I was kind of surprised actually to hear that... just found out when we got out," said Bovee.

"It's kind of odd that it would be here," said Amanda Ashley, who had just gotten out of the theater with her friend.

The Ashtabula Sheriff's Office said the threats are believed to have come from a disgruntled employee of a company contracted by Carmike to clean its theaters. The Ashtabula theater off of North Ridge East does not use the same company, but the sheriff's office still investigated both the theater and the mall Friday morning.

"It's terrible to think this kind of think is happening in the world," said Rosati.

As frustrated as movie goers were Friday, many said they're not going to let this change their plans.

" It could happen anywhere so... I can't control what people do what I'm going to go do, have fun," said Rosati.

Police cleared the Ashtabula theater saying no threat was found. A spokesperson for Carmike said the same for all of the theaters involved. Ashtabula's Carmike Cinema continued running Friday as normal.