A 28-year-old Missouri man faces multiple assault charges following a violent altercation at a wedding venue in Washington, Missouri, authorities said.
Benjamin J. Reeders was arrested at Sunset Bluffs after the Franklin County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of assault last Saturday. He was charged with fourth-degree assault, third-degree assault and resisting arrest. His cash bond was set at $20,000.
According to court documents and reports, Reeders arrived at the venue early while the wedding party was preparing. The alleged victims included a photographer who sustained minor injuries and Reeders' mother, whom he allegedly pushed to the ground.
A family member deployed bear spray against Reeders before law enforcement arrived, but the measure proved ineffective in stopping his behavior, according to the arresting report. Deputies noted he was combative when they arrived at the scene.
In a statement, Sunset Bluffs management said Reeders, an invited guest, "arrived early in emotional distress and became involved in a physical altercation with his family and a photographer." The venue said safety is its "top priority" and that the wedding proceeded as scheduled.
The sheriff's office did not immediately provide additional details about the circumstances that led to the altercation or Reeders' emotional state.
