Man Arrested For Violently Attack On 63-Year-Old Man At Movie Theater

by News Desk | Sep 30, 2023 · 9:06 am | Pompano Beach News

Suspect Arrested For Beating 63-Year-Old Man At Movie Theater - Jesse Montez Thorton II

Last Updated: Mar 28, 2026 · 4:05 pm

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POMPANO BEACH, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2023) — 27-year-old Jesse Montez Thorton II has been arrested for a violent attack on a 63-year-old man at a movie theater in July.

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Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit of the Broward Sheriffs Office with assistance from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department have apprehended a man named Jesse Montez Thorton II in connection with an incident that took place at a movie theater last July. The incident involved an altercation over seating arrangements.

According to Marc Cohen, the victim he and his wife arrived at the AMC Pompano Beach 18 on Federal Highway before 9;56 p.m. On Monday July 10th. Cohen had purchased VIP tickets that included assigned seating for a film.

Upon arrival Cohen noticed a man and woman occupying their assigned seats. Polite in his approach Cohen requested that Jesse Montez Thorton II vacate their seats. Witnesses reported that Thorton became aggressive in response to this request. A video captured the moment when what started as a dispute escalated into physical violence. In this moment Cohen lost his balance and fell down some stairs while Thorton repeatedly struck him in the face until witnesses intervened and pulled Thorton away, from him.

Afterwards Thorton and the woman accompanying him left the theater premises while Cohen suffered injuries to his head and face.

He was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

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The detectives, from BSO worked tirelessly on this case for months. The video and details of this assault gained attention from both national and international media, which led to various leads, including an anonymous tip provided through Broward Crime Stoppers.

Through their efforts the detectives were able to identify Jesse Montez Thorton II as the individual involved in this incident. On Thursday, September 28th Thorton was located in the City of Fort Lauderdale. Subsequently arrested.

Thorton was then transported to BSO Main Jail. Is now facing charges of aggravated battery causing significant bodily harm.

The investigation is still ongoing.

 

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**WARNING** The following video contains violent content. Viewer discretion is advised**

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