Bond set for suspect Scott Smith, accused of bringing weapons to Crocker Park movie theater

CLEVELAND - The man accused of bringing a bag full of weapons inside the Crocker Park movie theater over the weekend appeared in court Thursday afternoon where bond was set at $250,000.

Scott Smith, 37, is facing 21 charges, including carrying weapons under disability. During his hearing, a judge also ordered Smith stay away from Crocker Park.

Smith has been transferred from the Westlake Jail and is now behind bars in the Cuyahoga County Jail.

Smith's attorney, Matthew Bruce, said his client isn't a threat and has a wife and two children. He also said Smith has been attending Cleveland State University for psychology and had been working from home.

Bruce also said his client brought weapons to the movie theater to protect himself in case of an incident like the mass shooting in Aurora, Colorrado last month.

"He had a weapon in his bag. Now, all of a sudden, the media's calling him a copycat. I've seen reports where they're just asserting  that he was there to shoot everyone.  I think those are completely baseless, unfounded   and blown way out of proportion," said Bruce.

Bruce said he plans to file a motion to ask the judge to reduce Smith's bond.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 14 at 3 p.m.

Smith is accused of bringing a bag to the Regal Cinemas in Crocker Park with a loaded gun, several magazines and hunting knives. The movie theater manager noticed the bag and asked to check it. A nearby police officer wasn't satisfied with the search and inspected it himself. That's when the weapons were found.

Smith was then arrested. He told police he brought the weapons for self defense, if needed. Authorities aren't buying the claim.