Police arrest Columbia man accused of groping teen boy in Franklin movie theater bathroom

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WZTV) — Police have arrested a man accused of groping a teenage boy at a Franklin movie theater.

The City of Franklin reports 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, and he was out of custody and on probation when he assaulted the boy.

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

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