Coral Springs police arrested a California man on Oct. 17 after a security officer at Chabad of Coral Springs said he saw the man ram a shopping cart into a menorah on the synagogue’s property at 3925 North University Drive. The incident happened shortly before 11 a.m.
Matthew John Ryan, 44, of Winnetka, California, faces charges of criminal mischief involving a place of worship, resisting an officer without violence and illegal possession of a shopping cart, according to a police arrest report.
Officers searching the area found Ryan walking east on Wiles Road toward University Drive with a cart and a pit bull that matched the description broadcast by police. Police said Ryan refused to get on the ground, said he had done nothing wrong and told officers, “I’m in a production movie.”
According to the affidavit, Ryan reached into a satchel despite commands to stop, and two more officers brought him down. Police said he tried to grab a sergeant’s Taser and pulled his arms away during handcuffing. Officers secured him after a brief struggle.
The synagogue’s security officer identified Ryan at the arrest location. Investigators also determined the cart belonged to the Walmart Neighborhood Market on North University Drive, which led to an additional charge.
Ryan complained of right knee pain and was taken to Broward Health Coral Springs. After medical staff cleared him, officers booked him into the Broward County Main Jail.
