Moviegoer using phone during film pepper-sprayed in LA, police say
A 34-year-old California man was arrested for allegedly pepper-spraying a moviegoer who was using a cellphone during a film at the AMC Burbank 16. Three patrons were treated at a local hospital after being exposed to the spray during the incident. Matthew Ware has been charged with misdemeanor battery and booked at the Burbank jail.
- ▪Matthew Ware, 34, was arrested on September 15 for allegedly pepper-spraying a patron at the AMC Burbank 16.
- ▪Three individuals were taken to a local hospital for treatment after the incident.
- ▪Witnesses stated that the confrontation occurred 40 minutes into the movie and did not appear to be self-defense.
- ▪Ware was charged with misdemeanor battery and booked at the Burbank jail.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — World |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/21/person-pepper-sprayed-phone-use-amc-movie-la |
| Publication time | Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:11:42 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-21T20:28:49.204Z |
| Last seen | 2026-09-21T20:28:49.204Z |
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AMC Burbank 16 in December 2023 in Burbank, California, the site of an alleged pepper-spray attack. Photograph: AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC ImagesView image in fullscreenAMC Burbank 16 in December 2023 in Burbank, California, the site of an alleged pepper-spray attack. Photograph: AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC ImagesCaliforniaMoviegoer using phone during film pepper-sprayed in LA, police sayCalifornia man charged with misdemeanor battery in Burbank over incident sending three patrons to hospitalCoral Murphy MarcosMon 21 Sep 2026 16.11 EDTLast modified on Mon 21 Sep 2026 16.13 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA 34-year-old man from California has been arrested after allegedly pepper-spraying a person at a movie theater who was using his cellphone during the film, according to authorities.Police…
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