Man Arrested for Pepper-Spraying Moviegoer in Theater Dispute

A 34-year-old man from Los Angeles has been charged following an incident at a Burbank AMC theater. Authorities allege he used pepper spray on another individual who was using a cellphone during a movie. This resulted in at least two other people requiring medical attention at a hospital.

Witnesses reported hearing an aerosol spray before hearing someone scream. Police quickly found and arrested the suspect in the theater lobby. The confrontation over cellphone use has sparked ongoing debates online. Some film enthusiasts expressed frustration with screen distractions, while others criticized the use of pepper spray as excessive.

Lieutenant Brent Fekety, a spokesperson for the Burbank Police, stated that officers responded to the incident around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the AMC 16 theater. Situated in a busy entertainment area, the location of the theater is well known. The suspect, identified as Matthew Ware, was taken into custody on suspicions of misdemeanor battery and later booked into the Burbank Jail. Records showed he was released the next morning.

One moviegoer recounted to KTLA-TV that they called the police after hearing the hissing sound and subsequent screams. Photos shared on social media depicted officers detaining a man dressed in cargo shorts and a black T-shirt featuring the “Terrifier” horror series.

The incident prompted various reactions on social media. While some defended Ware’s actions, citing personal experiences with phone interruptions during films, many others were critical. Comments included statements such as “People on their phones in the theater are beyond idiots, but you cannot go pepper spraying them.”

These events highlight the tension between cinema etiquette and aggressive responses to violations. As the discussions continue online, this case underscores the challenges of maintaining order in public spaces.