Kids find loaded gun at Long Beach movie theater

Oceanside man arrested after two girls discover firearm inside L.B. Cinema 4

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An Oceanside man was arrested on Tuesday after Long Beach police said he left a loaded handgun inside the Long Beach Cinema 4 while he was at a movie with his grandchildren.

According to Police Commissioner Michael Tangney, two young girls found a loaded pistol inside the theater on Tuesday afternoon after the man dropped the gun and decided to leave it there.

Police say Oceanside resident John Abatz, 66, was carrying the licensed weapon while taking his grandchildren to the theater, at the corner of Park Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard.

“The gun fell out of the ankle holster, and rather than pick it up and make it safe, he left it there so he wouldn’t alarm his grandchildren,” Tangney said. “He said he knew he lost the gun, and he didn’t want to disturb his grandkids.”

The gun was a Beretta model 21A .22-caliber pistol, and was loaded, Tangney said. The girls observed the gun and told a woman in the movie theater, who retrieved the weapon and called police at about 12:30 p.m.

Officers responded to the theater and traced the serial number to Abatz, Tangney said. The officers made an announcement in the theater calling on Abatz to come to the lobby, where he was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment. He was arraigned at Long Beach City Court and pleaded not guilty. Abatz could not be reached for comment.

“Mr. Abatz, from my understanding, has never been arrested before and lives a law abiding life,” said Robert Zuflacht, Abatz's attorney.

Tangney said the man was in violation of his target and hunting license, which limits where an individual can carry their weapon. According to the Nassau County Police Department’s pistol license handbook, the holder of the license can only possess the firearm in his or her home, while participating in lawful target shooting and hunting, or while transporting to and from a licensed firearms dealer, target shooting location or hunting area.

“Licensees are authorized to stop only for fuel, nonalcoholic refreshments and/or a meal on the way to and from their lawful target shooting location or hunting area,” the handbook states. “In the event a licensee does break for fuel, a refreshment or a meal, he or she is responsible for the concealment and safeguarding of the firearm.”

Tangney said Abatz’s license could be suspended or revoked by Nassau County police.

“I don’t know what excuse he could possibly give for just walking away and leaving the gun …” Tangney said.