I agree with you; I think the policeman overreacted. How come we don't have independent witnesses? The ushers work for the movie house and might get sued-biased? No offence to all you law enforcement types, but ...the policeman's story sounds a bit odd. He offered to get their money back- sure! It sounds to me like he was on a power trip, hassled the couple and things got out hand. Also, everyone who aggravates a police officer gets charged with disorderly conduct. If you have nothing else to charge them with, that's the charge of choice.
From the link in post #3.
this line:
" When Tolson came at Douglas with a clenched fist, the officer wrote, he used his pepper spray."
Don't you think the office is justified if someone takes a swing at him?