An assault during an outdoor performance of GreenStage’s “Much Ado About Nothing” at Lake Burien School Memorial Park ended with one man bear mace/pepper sprayed and a suspect 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 at the play sponsored by Burien Arts.
When officers arrived, they found a man on the ground (most likely a stagehand) who appeared to have been assaulted with bear mace/pepper spray.
Deputies 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 bear mace/pepper spray and used it on the other, police said.
“Two individuals repeatedly walked across the stage, disrupting the production,” Daniel Wood, Marketing/PR Director for GreenStage told The B-Town Blog. “When a GreenStage staff member intervened and asked them to go around, one of the individuals became agitated, produced what appeared to be a canister of bear mace and proceed to spray our staff member several times.”
The performance was canceled after the incident.
Wood added:
“The safety of our artists, staff, and audience is our top priority while this is an alarming incident, we are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and the support of our community. This was an unfortunate incident at the tail end of an otherwise record breaking 37th season bringing free Shakespeare in the Park to our community. GreenStage will continue to bring free Shakespeare in the Park to the public, and we remain committed to providing safe, welcoming performances for all.”
“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 bear mace/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.)
“I do desire we may be better strangers.”
“I’ll beat thee, but I would infect my hands.”
“Me thinkest thou art a general offense, and every man should beat thee.”
I was shocked and saddened by this totally unwarranted assault. Burien Arts planned and funded Much Ado About Nothing to bring Shakespeare to Burien for everyone and GreenStage was heroically performing in the rain to see the play brought to a halt by this despicable man.
Claire Yurdin
Board Member, Burien Arts