Break In At Grady County Drive-In Creates Reel Horror

Jacqueline Sit, News 9

NINNEKAH, Oklahoma – The owner of a popular, family-owned drive-in theatre said she'll have to shut down indefinitely because thieves stole expensive equipment and trashed the property.

Barbara Egbert discovered the theft and destruction Wednesday at Chief Drive-In Theatre on Highway 81 south of Chickasha. She said it was like walking into a horror movie.

"I'm so mad. I don't know who would do this. I won't be able to buy Christmas gifts for my family because someone did this," Egbert said.

Egbert said it appears the thieves broke in by breaking a window into the projector room and crawling inside. They also kicked down a door.

Break In At Chief Drive-In Theatre

Once inside, the thieves broke equipment and furniture. They dumped popcorn kernels all over the floor and raided the concession stand. Egbert discovered half-eaten pickles and lollipops scattered across the countertops. The thieves also stole dozens of boxes of candy.

But Egbert said the biggest and priciest loss is the stolen projection equipment.

"They threw syrup all over my ceiling, floor and counter. They also took my stereo sound system which costs about $1500. Without it, I will have to close for the weekend until I can figure out how to pay for all the damages," Egbert said.

She estimated thieves caused a total of $7,000 in damage. Egbert said she has no idea when she'll be able to reopen the theatre.

Anyone with information about the break in should call Ninnekah Crime Stoppers at (405) 224-TIPS.