Arraignment delayed in Newport theater leaf-blower case

A judge on Wednesday delayed the arraignment of an 18-year-old man accused of participating in a prank where someone burst through an emergency exit at a Newport Beach movie theater and revved a leaf blower.

Newport Beach resident Colin Hunter Davis did not appear in Orange County Superior Court. Instead, his lawyer asked a judge to postpone the first hearing in the case.

Davis is scheduled to enter a plea to the charges of participating in a rout and unlawful assembly, disturbing the peace and trespassing with the intent to injure property on Jan. 7.

The charges stem from the night of Aug. 8, when prosecutors allege Davis walked into a screening of the thriller “The Gift” at Edwards Big Newport 6 cinema near Fashion Island without a ticket.

Once inside, authorities allege he opened an emergency exit for a co-conspirator to come in with a leaf blower. When moviegoers heard the blower’s engine rev they panicked and stampeded for the exits. Some people were trampled and suffered minor injuries, according to police.

At the time, Newport Beach police said four people were involved in the prank.

Authorities eventually determined the three other suspects were minors. It’s unclear if they are facing charges because juvenile proceedings are confidential.