Cops: Attorney with Loaded Gun Arrested at Batman Movie in New Haven

Update Aug. 8, 5:48 p.m.:

When asked about the specific laws surrounding an exposed weapon carried with a permit, Lt. J. Paul Vance of the Connecticut State Police had the following to say:

"As far as having an exposed weapon, the law is vague. if it causes annoyance, alarm or disturbance it's considered a breach of peace." 

Updated Aug. 8, 12:17 p.m.:

Sung-Ho Hwang, the man who was arrested at a New Haven movie theatre last night, is an attorney at the Law Offices of Sung-Ho Hwang, LLC and an officer with the New Haven Bar Association.

Updated Aug. 8, 9:59 a.m.:

A mug shot of the man allegedly carrying an exposed loaded gun, Sung H. Hwang, has been released by New Haven Police.

Original Story:

At 10:11 p.m. on Aug. 7, New Haven Police were called to the Criterion - Bow Tie Cinemas at 86 Temple Street. Theater management reported a man inside had a handgun on him and was inside either Theater 1 or 2.

Officers arrived within minutes and were given the suspect's description. The usher told them at least three patrons had said the armed man was inside, but it was unclear which theater he was in.

The patrons said that the suspect had a gun in his waistband on his back and it was not concealed. Theater 2 was featuring the film 'The Watch.'

That theater was searched by the first arriving officers. Officers then moved to Theater 1, which had about a dozen patrons inside. The Batman film, 'The Dark Knight Rises' was featured there and had not yet begun to play. 

The theater house lights were illuminated as Officers entered. Patrons were told to raise their hands and file from the theater. As they exited they were patted down and escorted outside.

Officers identified the suspect and with weapons drawn, ordered the suspect to put his hands up. He allegedly remained in his seat while using his cell phone.  

He allegedly did not comply with the Officers' commands, and was taken into custody by force. Officers allegedly removed a loaded handgun from the suspect's waistband at the small of his back.

The armed man, Sung H. Hwang, age 46 of New Haven, was handcuffed and removed from the theater. Hwang possesses a valid State of CT permit to carry a pistol.

The theater had received no threats prior to this incident.

Hwang was arrested and charged with Breach of Peace and Interfering with Police.

Theatergoers who were viewing the 10:20 p.m. screening of 'The Watch' described Hwang as wearing a v-neck shirt and jeans. "Some guy had a gun showing under his belt. He was walking behind us."

When the man walked past the theatergoers, they saw he had a gun tucked into the back of his pants. They believed he was not on his way into 'The Watch.' "We talked to each other and then we talked to the manager [of the theatre]," said one of the theatergoers.

Attorney Scott McMillan of San Diego left a screening 'Ted' with his family at approximately 12:00 a.m. McMillan was not aware of the alleged armed man, but said he "felt safe" knowing that the alleged armed man had a permit.

Editor's note: This article by Milford Patch. It was first published on Wednesday by Darien Patch; the time stamp has been changed for layout purposes on the Home page of Darien Patch.