Another Violent Teen Assault Rocks Ak-Chin Movie Theater, Claims Father

A father from Tortosa witnessed his teenage daughter and her friend being attacked outside the UltraStar Cinemas on Maricopa Road. The incident occurred on July 22 and resulted in the girls needing hospital treatment for their injuries.

Ron Tankamnerd reported that two other teenage girls were responsible for the assault. The attackers were allegedly accompanied by a group of boys who recorded the entire ordeal. “This was not just a fight; it was a physical assault,” Tankamnerd stated. “They followed my daughter and her friend before attacking them.”

Monica Williams, a spokesperson for the Maricopa Police Department, directed inquiries to the Ak-Chin police. Chief Manuel Garcia of the Ak-Chin Police Department declined to comment and referred reporters to the administrative offices, which did not respond to calls.

While the status of any arrests remains unclear, Tankamnerd believes the assailants may have been jailed. He expressed concern for the ongoing safety of teens at the movie theater, noting that similar incidents have occurred in the past. “It’s crucial that Maricopans are aware of these safety concerns,” he emphasized.

Tankamnerd referenced a previous altercation on May 10 that took place during a showing of Planet of the Apes, which prompted the Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center to implement stricter attendance policies. “For the safety and well-being of our young visitors, all individuals under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian after 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays,” stated the entertainment center.

The altercation left the theater in disarray, with items such as shoes, spilled popcorn, and garbage scattered throughout the aisles. Deputies from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office had to remove several teens in handcuffs, according to a source inside the theater.