California man arrested for pepper-spraying moviegoer over phone use
Police in Burbank, California, have arrested a 34-year-old man accused of pepper-spraying a fellow moviegoer who was using his phone during a film, injuring two other patrons as well.
Burbank police have arrested Matthew Ware, 34, on suspicion of pepper-spraying another patron at the AMC Burbank 16 theater. The incident occurred on 15 September, when Ware allegedly sprayed a moviegoer who had been using his cellphone during the screening.
Two other patrons sitting nearby were also affected by the irritant. All three people involved were treated at a local hospital. Ware has been charged with misdemeanor battery and was booked into Burbank jail.
Witness account
Speaking to NBC News, witness Joe Rodriguez said the confrontation happened about 40 minutes into the film. He described suddenly hearing the sound of an aerosol can spraying behind him, followed by a man shouting that he had just been pepper-sprayed.
Another moviegoer said he saw Ware run out of the theater immediately after the spraying. Three people then chased him down and found him elsewhere in the building.
Rodriguez said the incident did not appear to be self-defense, noting that what stood out most was Ware's claim the other man had "gotten smart" with him. Rodriguez characterized it as a case of frustration boiling over after the other patron was rude.
