A moviegoer disabled by multiple sclerosis found herself stranded on a second floor mall patio after a late night show when security shut down the escalators and elevators.
The incident happened Saturday, February 7 at the Chula Vista Center. Veronica Shelton and her husband Chris were outraged to learn security had shut down the escalators and elevators before the late showing of American Sniper ended.
Veronica has multiple sclerosis, a disease that causes muscle weakness and great pain. She suffers from dizzy spells and vertigo. Descending such a height without powered assistance could be life threatening with such a disability.
“I felt embarrassed and I felt like, I swear I felt the people right on top of me that night when I was trying to get down in a safe manner,” Veronica said.
Last Sunday the couple left the AMC theater on the second floor of the Chula Vista Center just after one in the morning.
They said the mall lights were out and the escalators and elevators were shut down.
“There was never any thought given to people who may need those services,” Chris said.
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Chris said they were told on-duty security shut off the power because there were so few cars in the parking lot.
The couple said their vehicle was parked in the handicap space.
“Them making a judgment call like that. It wasn't right,” Veronica said.
Chula Vista Center security would not return calls from NBC 7. They told the couple, though, that the lights, escalators and elevators would be working till two am from now on.
“They seemed like they genuinely wanted to make a change there,” Chris said.
The Sheltons didn't want a lawsuit or federal disability watchdog intervention. They just want to keep the drama of movie night in the theater, they said.
“Honestly that is all we want, for this not to happen to anyone else,” Veronica said.
Veronica had to get down from the top floor without escalator assistance, but said she hopes her struggle will pay off for others with disabilities wanting a normal night out.
The Sheltons remain a little apprehensive about returning to the theater, but said they will be back. The theater has been one of their favorite date night spots for a long time.
