Moviegoer using phone during film pepper

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Published: 2026-09-21T20:51:26.539Z • Permanent link

California man charged with misdemeanor battery in Burbank over incident sending three patrons to hospital

A 34-year-old man from California has been arrested after allegedly pepper-spraying a person at a movie theater in Burbank, sending three patrons to the hospital. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Michael Lee, was charged with misdemeanor battery in connection with the incident that occurred on September 15th at the AMC Burbank 16 cinema. According to authorities, Lee allegedly used pepper spray on a woman who was watching the movie, causing her and two other people to suffer from respiratory distress. The victims were taken to the hospital for treatment and are expected to make a full recovery.

Lee, a resident of Pasadena, California, was taken into custody by Burbank police officers and booked at the Burbank Police Department. He was released on $50,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on October 10th. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of moviegoers and the need for theaters to implement stricter security measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The AMC chain has issued a statement expressing its support for the victims and vowing to take steps to prevent similar incidents from happening at its theaters.

Lee's motives for using pepper spray are still unclear, but authorities believe that he may have been experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the incident. The incident has sparked a wider conversation about mental health and the need for greater support services for individuals struggling with mental illness. The Burbank Police Department has praised the quick response of its officers, who were able to contain the situation and provide medical attention to the victims.

The incident highlights the growing concern about the safety of moviegoers and the need for theaters to implement stricter security measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The AMC chain has a large presence in the United States, with over 1,000 screens across the country, and the incident could have significant implications for the company's reputation and customer base. Research communities and markets are likely to be watching this incident closely, as it raises questions about the responsibility of theaters to ensure the safety of their customers.

The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of current laws and regulations governing the use of pepper spray in public places. Many states have laws that prohibit the use of pepper spray in theaters, but these laws are often not enforced. The incident could lead to calls for greater regulation of the use of pepper spray in public places, and for theaters to take greater responsibility for ensuring the safety of their customers.