Benjamin J. Reeders, 28, of Missouri faces a $20,000 cash bond following his arrest Saturday at Sunset Bluffs wedding venue in Washington, Missouri, where Franklin County Sheriff's Office deputies were called to multiple altercations at a pre-wedding gathering. A photographer was among those assaulted and sustained minor injuries. A family member deployed bear spray against Reeders before deputies arrived — it did not stop him, and he resisted arrest when law enforcement reached the scene.
What Happened at Sunset Bluffs
Deputies were dispatched after witnesses reported that Reeders was involved in multiple altercations with family members and guests at what the Franklin County Sheriff's Office described as a "wedding-related event." WSAZ 3 first reported the incident.
Among the alleged conduct: Reeders pushed his mother to the ground and assaulted a photographer, who sustained minor injuries. Before law enforcement arrived, a family member used bear spray on Reeders in an apparent effort to stop him. The spray did not subdue him. When deputies reached the scene, Reeders was combative and actively resisted arrest.
Three Charges, One Bond
Franklin County Sheriff's Office charged Reeders with three counts: fourth-degree assault, third-degree assault, and resisting arrest. His cash bond was set at $20,000.
Venue Statement: Safety First, Ceremony Proceeded
Sunset Bluffs released a statement following the incident, describing the altercation as occurring "while a small group of the wedding party was getting ready." The venue said Reeders was "an invited guest [who] arrived early in emotional distress and became involved in a physical altercation with his family and a photographer."
Sunset Bluffs thanked responding law enforcement, stated that safety for all involved in a wedding is the venue's top priority, expressed relief that all parties were reported to be OK, and confirmed the wedding proceeded as planned.
The source is the Franklin County Sheriff's Office via WSAZ 3 and a statement from Sunset Bluffs. No additional figures were provided.