An Ohio wedding turned chaotic when long-standing tensions between two families ignited a brawl, resulting in injuries and arrests. The incident took place at La Centre Banquet Facility in Westlake, involving multiple guests and drawing police from different departments.
Details of the Altercation
Fox 8 in Cleveland reported the arrest of three individuals: Ali Wahdan, Raed Mahmoud Sulaiman from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, and Abdallah Wahdan. Charges varied from assault, inducing panic, tampering with evidence, violating a temporary protection order, to aggravated menacing.
Surveillance footage from the venue captured the dispute that erupted both inside and outside, indicating longstanding family issues were the cause. Police discovered that alcohol was not involved, instead pointing to historical conflicts.
Rapid Police Response
Emergency services were notified during the fight, with the banquet hall’s general manager reporting injuries and violence. Multiple 911 calls highlighted the chaotic scene, with one caller indicating involvement in the altercation.
Dashcam and body camera footage from officers showed them arriving to a crowded parking lot filled with wedding attendees. As the situation required more help, Westlake police expanded their ask for assistance to surrounding jurisdictions.
Escalation Inside the Venue
Cellphone video captured the fight in the ballroom, showing Sulaiman brandishing a butter knife while others tried to restrain him. The footage documented the ensuing chaos as guests sought safety, leading to overturned chairs and panic.
Despite the violent interruption, paramedics provided aid to injured guests while officers stabilized the scene. This allowed for the resumption of the wedding celebration uninterrupted by further incidents.
Behind the Conflict
Police investigations noted that Ali Wahdan faced a temporary protective order which mandated he avoid certain family members in attendance. His failure to leave the venue upon encountering them intensified the conflict.
Once officers managed to separate attendees, they began investigating the origins of the brawl. According to Police Captain Jerry Vogel, those under protective orders have the responsibility to depart the setting immediately upon encountering named individuals.
Legal Proceedings
The charges against Wahdan, Sulaiman, and Abdallah Wahdan were processed in Rocky River Municipal Court. Despite the ordeal, peace was restored allowing the wedding to continue without further disturbances.