In Ohio, a wedding turned chaotic due to a longstanding feud between two families. This altercation led to injuries among guests, involvement of multiple police departments, and arrest of three individuals. The altercation took place at La Centre Banquet Facility in Westlake on August 21.
Cleveland’s FOX 8 reported that the arrested individuals were Ali Wahdan, 47, Raed Mahmoud Sulaiman, 46, and Abdallah Wahdan, 48. Sulaiman, from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, faced charges of assault, inducing panic, and tampering with evidence. He allegedly threatened guests with a butter knife and discarded it as police arrived.
Ali Wahdan was charged with violating a temporary protection order. Abdallah Wahdan from Westlake was charged with aggravated menacing for reportedly threatening other guests. Surveillance video showed that the fight began inside the hall and moved to the parking lot.
The general manager of the banquet facility called 911, reporting a violent altercation involving several people. He mentioned that a man with a head injury was present in the bathroom.
911 calls captured the chaotic scene with one caller being attacked. As things intensified, Westlake police sought additional help from neighboring departments. Dashcam footage revealed officers navigating a busy parking lot filled with wedding-attired guests.
Body camera footage captured officers attempting to separate the groups as guests exited the venue. A man reported to police that his group was attacked while dancing during the celebration.
Inside the venue, cellphone footage showed more of the brawl with guests scattering amidst the commotion. Sulaiman, identified by police, held a butter knife as other men attempted to restrain him.
Amid flying chairs and falling guests, paramedics treated injured individuals while officers restored order. Police Captain Jerry Vogel mentioned that officers were aware of injuries but initially unsure about the presence of any weapons.
Post-separation, investigators determined the fight stemmed from deep-rooted enmity between the families, not due to alcohol. Ali Wahdan violated a temporary protection order that mandated his departure upon seeing certain family members, contributing to the situation.
Despite the chaos, the wedding resumed once calm was reestablished by law enforcement. The charges brought against the individuals were filed in Rocky River Municipal Court.