Police: Adult was aggressor in Washington theater shooting that injured teen

State police in Washington allege that a 53-year-old Waynesburg man was the instigator in a fight with a group of teenagers last month that ended with one boy shot in the leg.

Chris Allan Williams faces a slew of charges in the March 23 incident, including two felony counts of aggravated assault.

The incident began minutes before midnight inside Theater 1 of the Regal Cinema, which is part of the Washington Crown Center mall in North Franklin.

Williams allegedly got up from his seat in the center section of the theater and approached the group of six juveniles sitting in the left side of the top row, according to the complaint. Authorities have said Williams told the children to be quiet.

An argument ensued, and Williams allegedly punched one of the children, causing a brief fight in which punches were thrown from each side, police wrote. The group of juveniles ran out of the theater, and Williams allegedly followed.

Williams confronted one of the boys again in the hallway, this time pulling out a semi-automatic pistol, according to the complaint. Police said Williams “pointed the firearm at the victim … with the intent to shoot the victim.”

The two struggled over the pistol and the gun went off, and the boy was shot below his right knee, police said.

Multiple witnesses told investigators that Williams was the aggressor, according to the complaint.

In addition to aggravated assault, Williams is charged with making terroristic threats, simple assault, disorderly conduct, reckless endangerment and harassment.