Police Nab Suspect in Denver Movie Massacre

A masked gunman has shot dead at least 12 people and wounded 50 others at a showing of new Batman movie "The Dark Knight Rises" in the US state of Colorado.


Police in the Denver suburb of Aurora said on Friday they had arrested a 24-year-old local man in a car park nearby in possession of a rifle, handgun and a knife.

James Holmes, 24 is currently in custody, being questioned by the police.

Speaking to Al Jazeera from Aurora, reporter Leanne Gregg said officials were scrambling to for more information on Holmes.

"He is 24 years old. He recently filled out a rental form in which he described himself as 'easy going'. He's from the San Diego area and police are now speaking with members of his family to learn what might have led to the alleged attack."

James Holmes, suspect in Denver movie massacre

 "We were told by police that he gave himself up willingly," she added.

They arrested the alleged gunman following chaotic scenes at a movie theatre at a local mall on Friday.

"This is a horrific event," Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates told a news conference, saying there was no evidence of a second gunman.

He told the news briefing that 10 people were killed on site and the others were later reported dead in area hospitals.

Some of the injured were children, with the youngest a 3-month-old baby. Victims were being treated for chemical exposure apparently related to canisters thrown by the gunman.

Police revised down the death toll from 14 earlier. They said 71 people, including the deceased, had been shot in the incident at the Century 16 multiplex cinema.

Source: Aljezeera