Summary: Matthew Ware, 34, was arrested after police say he used pepper spray on a moviegoer who would not stop using a cellphone during a film at AMC Burbank 16 on Sept. 15. The spray affected multiple patrons and sent two people to the hospital. Witness Joe Rodriguez said he heard an aerosol hiss during the screening and that the movie initially continued despite the smell. The incident has sparked an online debate about etiquette versus safety; California law allows defensive use of certain aerosols but forbids misuse.
Phone-Use Dispute at AMC Burbank Ends With Pepper Spray and Arrest — Online Divided
Image Credit: KTLA 5 / YouTube.
A confrontation over cellphone use during a movie at AMC Burbank 16 on Sept. 15 reportedly ended when a man allegedly sprayed another patron with pepper spray, sending multiple people for medical care and prompting an arrest.
What Happened
Burbank police say they arrested 34-year-old Los Angeles resident Matthew Ware on suspicion of misdemeanor battery after officers were called to the theater around 5:30 p.m. NBC Los Angeles reported that the incident began when a patron was allegedly using a cellphone during a screening.
Witness Account
Audience member Joe Rodriguez posted a firsthand account on Reddit, saying he was about 40 minutes into the film 'The Uprising' in the Dolby auditorium when he heard the hiss of an aerosol can several rows behind him. Moments later, someone shouted that a person had been pepper-sprayed. Rodriguez said the person who discharged the spray ran from the auditorium while members of the affected party followed, and he alerted theater staff.
From his seat Rodriguez said the phone's brightness appeared dimmed and he did not hear an argument before the spray was deployed. Those observations reflect what he saw from his location and do not establish everything that occurred before the confrontation.
Theater Response and Policy
Rodriguez told CBS Los Angeles that Ware first asked the patron to turn off the phone and that the patron refused, after which police say Ware became upset and allegedly used the spray. NBC and other local outlets report the theater offered refunds after the incident.
AMC's posted policy bars talking, disruptive behavior and electronic-device use during screenings and asks patrons to notify staff if they are disturbed. The company's code of conduct also warns that dangerous or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
Health Risks
Pepper spray and similar chemical irritants can be difficult to contain indoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says these agents can cause immediate burning and irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, mouth and lungs. Two other moviegoers reported irritation and were treated at a hospital, according to local reports.
The CDC advises anyone exposed indoors to move to fresh air and decontaminate; most effects are short-lived once someone gets away from the source, though heavier or prolonged exposure can cause more serious problems.
Legal Context
California law permits certain aerosol tear-gas devices for self-defense by qualifying adults but prohibits use outside self-defense (Penal Code Section 22810). Local reports say Ware was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor battery; available sources do not indicate he was booked specifically under Section 22810.
Release And Online Reaction
ABC7 cited Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department inmate records showing Ware's release was logged at 7:22 a.m. on Sept. 16. The incident quickly drew attention online: a post highlighted by KTLA received more than 35,000 likes within hours, with commenters divided between condemning the alleged attack and praising someone taking action against a common theater annoyance.
Note: Reporting so far is based on police statements, a witness account and local news coverage. The accused has not been proven guilty in court.
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