Man found dead after shooting at Massillon movie theater

MASSILLON, Ohio (AP) — A man was found dead after a shooting at a movie theater in northeast Ohio and another person considered a suspect was arrested shortly after, authorities said.

Massillion police said officers responded to a report of a shooting at Regal Cinemas just before 11 p.m. Friday and found a man dead near the lobby. The victim was identified as 27-year-old Daron Davis of nearby Canton, police said.

Shortly after 11:30 p.m., a person “considered a suspect at the time” was taken into custody outside the police station in the Stark County town, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Akron, police said.

The Canton Repository said it was not clear whether Davis or the suspect saw a movie at the theater. According to the Stark County Coroner’s Office, the body was taken to the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office early Saturday for an autopsy.

Authorities reviewed surveillance video from the theater and said the investigation was ongoing.

Regal Massillon posted a notice on its website saying that “due to unforeseen circumstances,” all Saturday performances had been canceled and the venue was “currently closed.”

A representative from Regal Cinemas told WOIO-TV in a statement that officials are working with local authorities and their primary concern is the safety of guests and staff. Officials said Regal Entertainment Group’s policies prohibit “weapons, props or fake weapons” and do not allow guests to wear masks (other than face masks for health and safety reasons), face paint or a “face-concealing hood.”