Tennessee man accused of groping 14-year-old boy in movie theater bathroom

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WZTV) — Police in Tennessee arrested a man who was accused of groping a teenage boy at a movie theater.

The City of Franklin reported that 27-year-old Gabriel Ward, of Columbia, was wanted for "sexually groping" a 14-year-old boy in the men's restroom at the AMC Thoroughbred 20 Cinema in Franklin.

Franklin detectives used tips to help identify Ward as the suspect. Now, he is behind bars.

No one, especially one of our community’s kids, should be assaulted the way this teen was,” said Lt. Charlie Warner. “The victim, his parents, and our team are all relieved by the suspect’s quick identification and arrest. We’re beyond thankful for an engaged community who played a big part in helping to make that happen.”

Ward is a convicted felon. He was out of custody and on probation when he assaulted the boy.

Ward was charged with the Class-E felony of sexual battery. He is being held in the Williamson County Jail on a $20,000 bond.