Waco Cinemark investigation continues for mice after customer complaints

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District has confirmed an open investigation into mice at the Cinemark theater in Waco after multiple customers reported rodent encounters during movie screenings.

An anonymous customer provided video of a mouse filmed at the theater in early October, showing the rodent running behind seats while a movie played.

The movie theater is located at 2400 Creekview Dr.

Abagail Salas said she encountered a mouse while watching a movie at the Cinemark on October 14. She heard a customer scream and leave the theater but decided to stay.

“30 seconds later I heard a noise, so I took out my flashlight and on top of my drink was a rat that had climbed down from my arm and was biting the lid and straw in like a very hungry way,” Salas said.

Customer brings mouse traps to theater

Cole Pauley brought a mouse trap into the theater last Thursday as a precaution.

“I was like, man I’ll just take mouse traps and build a wall of protection around me just so we don’t have to deal with it. They were like, you won’t do that, you’re ridiculous, no one would do what. I said, watch me,” Pauley said.

He said the trap caught a mouse by the end of the movie.

“All of this construction is driving these mice out of their fields they live in, they got to go somewhere. They’ll get it under control, I’m not really worried about it. It was just something funny,” Pauley said.

Theater responds to complaints

Cinemark said in a statement: “Given nearby construction, we’ve strengthened our protocols and partnered with specialists to maintain high standards of cleanliness. We’re pleased with the progress and remain committed to delivering an outstanding moviegoing experience for every guest.”

Salas disagreed with the theater’s assessment of progress.

“I’ve had coworkers that have gone in the past week, and it’s crawled up their arms or their laps. To me, these rats or mice are comfortable enough to climb on people now,” she said.

The anonymous customer who filmed the mouse said the rodents pose additional risks, including population growth and food contamination concerns.

“Not only was it gross to see, but the smell is gross. When I stuck my head behind the seats, it smelled like a hamster cage. It just grossed me out knowing they serve food there because if you know there’s mice in the theatre, you know there’s mice in the kitchen,” the customer said.

Salas said she has no plans to return to the Waco Cinemark soon and drove to Temple this weekend to see a movie instead.

“This weekend, I had to go all the way to Temple. It’s about 50 min drive,” she said.

The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District said: “Waco-McLennan County Public Health District Environmental Health continues to conduct an open and ongoing investigation. The department has performed onsite inspections and maintains direct communication with facility management one to three times per week.”

“Cinemark has made significant progress in addressing the pest concerns, and its pest control provider has reported a substantial reduction in sightings over the past two weeks. Cinemark continues to follow routine disinfection protocols and remains actively engaged in pest abatement and elimination efforts.”

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