Man with 4 guns, knife arrested at Phoenix Comicon; costume props now banned
Phoenix police arrested a man armed with four firearms and a knife at Phoenix Comicon on Thursday afternoon, prompting officials to increase security screening and outlaw costume props for the rest of the event.
The man, who was wearing body armor, was carrying three handguns and one shotgun, along with ammunition, a knife and a variety of handheld weapons, according to Sgt. Mercedes Fortune, a Phoenix police spokeswoman.
THE LATEST: Police say man targeted Power Rangers actor, officers
Fortune said the man intended to harm Phoenix police and had been taking pictures of officers, including those patrolling Comicon, and posting them on social media. A woman who knows him alerted police to his activities, officials said.
Police did not immediately release the man's name but said he was 30 years old and a local resident.
The man was removed from the Phoenix Convention Center and taken to police headquarters for questioning, Fortune said.
Additional screening and security will be added for the event, which will decrease entry points to the venue and cause some delays, Fortune said.
RELATED: Comicon bans all costume props; refunds offered
'An isolated incident'
Phoenix Comicon organizers on Thursday evening outlawed all props, including foam and cardboard props as well as shields, sabers and wands, starting on Friday.
Earlier in the day, it was announced that all weapons, including toy and prop weapons, would be banned.
"Please leave them at home or in your vehicles, since they will not be allowed into the facility," Fortune said.
The expanded ban was announced on the Phoenix Comicon Facebook page about 7 p.m. Thursday, with news that ticketholders could request a refund by emailing refund@phoenixcomicon.com.
In the past, Phoenix Comicon has allowed prop weapons into the venue as long as they were screened by police or event security, and did not present a danger to others.
Vendors selling prop weapons will be allowed to continue selling them as long as the props are sealed and they inform the buyers to leave them sealed until they leave the convention center.
Fortune said the man's weapons had not been checked by security or police.
"This is an isolated incident. It is not part of a grander scheme," Fortune said. "He is the only person that has been identified with this incident."
The man was wearing all black, but Phoenix police say they could not discern whether he was dressed in a costume.
"This is a great win for the Phoenix Police Department in showing that we as a community work so well with the information that is provided to us," Fortune said.
"You always hear us say, if you see something, say something, this is a great example of that: This person saw some behavior that was suspicious. She was receiving information, and she alerted law enforcement."
MORE: Phoenix Comicon 2017: Coolest, craziest things happening on the scene
The four-day entertainment and comic convention is going on through Sunday at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Starting Friday, there will be three access points for entrance into the Phoenix Convention Center for those who have a valid badge:
- The West Building entrance at Second Street between Washington and Monroe streets.
- Third and Washington streets.
- Third and Monroe streets.
Those needing to collect their badge from registration only will be able to do so at the entrance at Third and Monroe streets.
READ MORE:
10 best events for adults at Phoenix Comicon 2017
Phoenix Comicon visitors' guide: Tips and tricks