An Ohio wedding turned chaotic when a long-running family feud erupted into violence, leaving several guests injured and leading to police intervention from various departments. Ali Wahdan, 47, Raed Mahmoud Sulaiman, 46, and Abdallah Wahdan, 48, were arrested following a brawl on August 21 at the La Centre Banquet Facility in Westlake.
Raed Mahmoud Sulaiman, from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, faced charges of assault, inducing panic, and tampering with evidence after allegedly wielding a butter knife against guests and discarding it as officers arrived.
Tensions Escalate at Wedding Venue
Ali Wahdan violated a temporary protection order, while Abdallah Wahdan of Westlake was charged with aggravated menacing. Surveillance footage captured the altercation outside the banquet hall, stemming from longstanding tensions between two families.
Fox News Digital obtained video evidence, including 911 calls and body camera footage, illustrating how the fight expanded from the banquet hall to the parking lot.
“There’s a fight at our venue,” the banquet hall’s general manager reported to a 911 operator, describing widespread fighting both inside and outside. The general manager noted a man had sustained a head injury during the chaos.
An officer arriving at the scene via dashcam footage was met with a crowded parking lot filled with vehicles and guests in formal attire. As the situation worsened, Westlake police enlisted neighboring departments for assistance.
Police and Paramedics Restore Order
Body camera footage showed officers battling to separate clashing groups as guests exited the venue. Affected individuals provided statements, indicating that their group had been attacked while dancing.
Cellphone videos from inside the ballroom captured additional scenes, demonstrating how the fighting intensified amid screams. Sulaiman, identified by police, brandished a butter knife as individuals attempted to restrain him.
Paramedics treated injured guests while officers worked to restore calm. Police initially did not know if any weapons were involved; however, they later discovered that alcohol was not a factor in the incident.
Legal and Social Ramifications
Authorities determined that existing familial animosities led to the outbreak of violence. Ali Wahdan was under a temporary protection order, mandating his departure from the venue upon encountering specific family members.
“Under the law, if you see this person, even if you arrive accidentally at the same time, you have to leave,”Police Capt. Jerry Vogel emphasized.
Despite the evening’s altercations and the arrests made, the wedding celebration continued once the situation was under control. Charges against the involved parties were filed in Rocky River Municipal Court.