Disney pepper-spray
The incident took place on Saturday (18 February) afternoon, around 15h30. When the video starts, Glenn Horlacher is already being restrained and pepper-sprayed by park security as bystanders watch, comment and film.
It’s unknown how the scuffle broke out or what caused it, only that Horlacher was surprisingly unresponsive to excessive pepper-spraying. After being sprayed in the face repeatedly with pepper-spray, Horlacher still managed to fight back, at one stage even taking a member of security staff to the floor with him. Eventually park visitors had to assist security staff to restrain him.
“Our security cast member was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for the injuries he sustained and then released. We appreciate the actions of the guests who came to his aid during this uncharacteristic incident,” said Suzi Brown, a spokeswoman for Disney.It’s not yet known what sparked the fight, but footage of the scuffle shows the man being belligerent and struggling to stand upright, prompting a security guard to pepper spray him in the face.
The man hit back with a punch and members of the public had to step in to restrain him before extra security staff arrived to bring the situation under control.
It happened outside the Tower of Terror ride, next to Francis' Ladybug Boogie and Tuck and Roll's Drive 'Em Buggies - attractions designed for younger children.
Off camera a woman can be heard shouting: "There are kids here. Does this guy not get that? You're in Disneyland!"
Police arrived and arrested the man on charges of battery and assault.
"When we arrived the suspect was being held by a few patrons and Disney security officers," Anaheim police Sgt. Bob Dunn told City News Service.
He was taken to an Anaheim jail and released on a citation later that evening.
Disney public relations director Suzi Brown said the elderly security guard was treated for minor injuries and thanked the visitors who intervened.