An assault during an outdoor performance of GreenStage’s “Much Ado About Nothing” at Lake Burien School Memorial Park ended with one man pepper-sprayed and another detained by deputies Friday night, Aug. 15, 2025, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO).
Police said that deputies responded around 7:33 p.m. after receiving a 911 call about a fight at the park.
When officers arrived, they found a man on the ground (most likely a stagehand) who appeared to have been assaulted with pepper spray.
Deputies tracked down and detained a suspect at the scene, who is alleged to have interrupted the play and assault a stagehand.
Witnesses told investigators the altercation began between two men before one pulled out pepper spray and used it on the other, police said.
The performance was canceled after the incident.
“Deputies are forwarding charges on to the King County Prosecutors’ Office for Assault 4,” KCSO Master Police Officer Jace Hoch told the B-Town Blog.
Eyewitness Account
An eyewitness told The B-Town Blog:
“I was watching GreenStage’s free production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at Lake Burien School Memorial Park on Aug. 15 when an older man and his companion walked directly through the stage area, even after a stagehand asked them to stop. The actors continued performing without missing a line. I was shocked at their entitlement, but the actors went on with the play, ignoring them without missing a line. Bravo Greenstage! I wish it ended there.”
The witness said that, a short time later, the suspect and his companion returned and again attempted to walk through the performance.
- A stagehand blocked their path, backing away as the male suspect kept coming forward.
- The suspect then pulled out a large can of pepper spray and sprayed the stagehand in the face without warning.
- He sprayed a second time before an audience member tackled him and took away the can.
- Audience members scattered to avoid the drifting spray, which still stung the witness’ eyes, nose, and lips from more than 40 feet away.
- The play was canceled due to this assault.
The victim was treated at the park and did not require hospitalization.
“Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon,” the witness added (feel free to add your own in comments below).
“Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with pepper spray . . .”
Thou rude behavior never ceases to amaze. Especially when taking free enjoyment from many and spoiling the hard work of alot by a few who created Much Ado not appreciated.
O villainous beast, begone! With bear spray I fend thee off, as Romeo did Tybalt’s wrath!”
Exit, pursued by a bear (spray.)