Former Fla. cop in deadly theater shooting was ALSO texting: officials

Andy Jones/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Curtis Reeves, 71, was texting his son just minutes before getting into a deadly fight with another movie-goer over his use of his cell phone during the movie previews, his son told detectives.

The former Florida police officer accused of fatally shooting a movie goer because he was texting was also texting only minutes before pulling the trigger, court documents have revealed.

Curtis Reeves' son, Matthew Reeves, told detectives that his father sent him a message at 1:04 p.m. on Jan. 13 telling him he was seated inside the Wesley Chapel theater for the 1:20 p.m. showing of 'Lone Survivor.'

When Matthew Reeves entered the dark theater to meet up with his parents, it was that moment Reeves allegedly shot 43-year-old Chad Oulson in the chest, just after a preview for 'RoboCop' had ended.

'Matthew said he did not see the shot directly, but the noise and light drew his attention to the top row of seats,' Pasco County Sheriff's detective Aaron Smith wrote.

Reeves' son ran to help and used a stranger's T-shirt in an attempt to stop Oulson's bleeding, according to the documents.

Oulson's wife, Nicole, also suffered a gunshot wound to her finger after she desperately tried to shield her husband.

The former cop, who retired in 1993, has told police that he shot Oulson in self-defense after the younger man attacked him. He claimed Oulson hit him in the face, possibly with his cellphone.

That account was not supported by witnesses, however, including Reeves' wife who was seated beside him.

A request for comment from Reeves' attorney was not immediately returned.

The 71-year-old, who is being held without bond, has pleaded not guilty to both counts of second-degree murder and aggravated battery.

If convicted he faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison.

ngolgowski@nydailynews.com

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