Toronto and Peel police have launched separate investigations after a noxious substance was released into three GTA movie theatres at the same time last week.
Some theatregoers had to be treated by paramedics following the incidents, all of which occurred the evening of April 22 at cinemas in Brampton, Mississauga and east Toronto.
Peel investigators said that in the Brampton and Mississauga incidents, the effects of the substances “were similar to that caused by pepper spray,” and that a number of theatre patrons were treated on scene by paramedics, but required no additional medical assistance.
At the same time on April 22, a theatre in the Scarborough area of Toronto was also evacuated after a pepper spray-like substance was released into the area. Days prior to that, the same cinema complex was evacuated after theatregoers smelled a noxious substance. In that case, a person was treated for respiratory problems as well.
Peel region police said though it’s too early to confirm co-ordination, they are working with authorities in Toronto to investigate the incidents. Const. Rachel Gibbs of Peel Police said it they’re not sure yet if it was a prank or if there was an intent to harm.
Cineplex spokesperson Sarah Van Lange said in an email that while each incident was localized to a single auditorium, “in an abundance of caution” Cineplex evacuated each of the theatres entirely.
In light of the incidents, Van Lange also confirmed that Cineplex cancelled the remaining run of the Indian Tamil film “Theri” at its GTA theatres.
Peel Sgt. Matt Small said that the movie “may play a part” in the motive or intent of the chemical attack, but “there’s been nothing that’s been confirmed in that regard.”
With files from CP24
