Accused Renton theater shooter pleads not guilty to assault charge



SEATTLE -- A 29-year-old Newcastle man accused of accidentally shooting a woman in a Renton movie theater pleaded not guilty Thursday to third-degree assault.

Dane Gallion's attorney said the Jan. 21 shooting inside a Regal Cinemas theater at The Landing was an unfortunate accident.

According to Renton police, Gallion brought his gun into the theater because he was worried about recent mass shootings in public places. Gallion told police his gun accidentally went off when he dropped it.The bullet passed right through the chair in front of him and hit 40-year-old Michelle Mallari in her shoulder. She later recovered.

Mallari and her attorney have both said they were hoping Gallion would be charged with more than third-degree assault.

Gallion's next court appearance will be on March 22. He is out on bail.