Man arrested for pepper spray attack at Burbank cinema

Matthew Ware, a 34-year-old man, was arrested after attacking a moviegoer with pepper spray at the AMC Burbank 16 cinema in California. The incident occurred approximately 40 minutes into a screening of the film ‘The Uprising’.

According to authorities and witness reports, the confrontation began when Ware became agitated by a spectator using a cell phone during the film. After the individual reportedly refused to stop using the device, Ware deployed the pepper spray. At least three people were affected by the spray and required medical attention at a local hospital.

Witnesses stated that Ware attempted to flee the theater following the attack but was pursued and detained in the lobby by bystanders before being taken into custody by the Burbank Police Department. Ware was charged with misdemeanor assault and released the following morning.