Police say bear spray was used at a wedding venue in Washington, Missouri after an invited guest became combative, prompting a family member to intervene before deputies arrived.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office says the incident happened at Sunset Bluffs and left a photographer with minor injuries. Deputies arrested 28-year-old Benjamin J. Reeders in connection with the disturbance, according to the sheriff’s office and local reporting by WSAZ and Fox News.
Altercation at Sunset Bluffs wedding
Deputies were called to Sunset Bluffs, a wedding venue in Washington, Missouri, after witnesses reported a physical altercation involving an invited guest, family members and a photographer. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Benjamin J. Reeders, 28.
According to the sheriff’s office release, Reeders allegedly assaulted several people and pushed his mother to the ground while a small group of the wedding party was getting ready. Witnesses flagged deputies to the scene after the disturbance began, the office said.
Local television station WSAZ reported that one photographer sustained minor injuries during the scuffle; the sheriff’s office confirmed the photographer sought treatment for those injuries, which were described as minor in the public report.
Bear spray was deployed before deputies arrived
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office told reporters that a family member used bear spray on Reeders before deputies arrived. The public release and follow-up local coverage indicated the spray did not stop him from continuing to be combative.
WSAZ’s reporting, citing witnesses and the sheriff’s office, said the spray affected people in the immediate area but that no serious injuries from the spray were reported. Police described Reeders as resistant to officers when they arrived and said he continued to be uncooperative during the arrest, according to the sheriff’s office statement.
Charges, arrest and bond
Franklin County deputies arrested Reeders at the scene and booked him into the local jail. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said he faces multiple charges, including fourth-degree assault, third-degree assault and resisting arrest.
The public report lists a cash bond set at $20,000. Booking details and formal court dates were not immediately available in county court records at the time the sheriff’s office released the report. Prosecutors will review the file and determine formal charges and any subsequent filings, the sheriff’s office statement said.
Venue statement and wedding status
Sunset Bluffs issued a written statement saying the incident occurred “while a small group of the wedding party was getting ready.” The venue said an invited guest arrived early and became involved in a physical altercation with family members and a photographer.
The venue thanked law enforcement and said it was relieved everyone involved was okay. Sunset Bluffs also told reporters the wedding went on as planned. Reporting by Fox News and WSAZ cites the venue statement and the sheriff’s office release.
Why it matters
Incidents like this underscore safety considerations for private events. Even when a gathering is celebratory, tensions can rise quickly; alcohol, unexpected guests and small, private rehearsal areas increase the chances a disagreement will escalate.
Event organizers and hosts can reduce risk by maintaining a clear chain of communication with venue staff, limiting access to areas reserved for the wedding party, and arranging for on-site security or a plan to contact local law enforcement if a situation becomes dangerous. The use of bear spray at a social event highlights that tools intended for outdoor safety can pose risks in crowded settings and may affect bystanders or required emergency responses.
What comes next
Following the arrest, standard procedures include booking and initial appearances. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is the reporting agency named in the release and will forward investigative materials to prosecutors for charging decisions.
Investigators may collect witness statements, review any photo or video evidence, and compile medical or photographer reports as part of the case file. Any court scheduling, pleas or trial information will be processed through the Franklin County court system; defendants typically appear for a first appearance and bond review within days of booking, subject to local court calendars.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to use bear spray on a person in Missouri?
Missouri law allows the use of force in self-defense under certain circumstances. The legality of using bear spray on another person depends on whether the user reasonably believed it was necessary to prevent imminent harm. Law enforcement and prosecutors will review facts and intent when determining whether use of such a product was lawful.
What charges is Benjamin J. Reeders facing?
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Reeders was charged with fourth-degree assault, third-degree assault and resisting arrest. Those charges were included in the sheriff’s office public release and reported by local media.
Did the wedding continue after the incident?
Sunset Bluffs told reporters the wedding went on as planned. The venue released a statement thanking law enforcement and expressing relief that those involved were okay.
Source attribution: Reporting by Fox News and WSAZ, and a public release from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office provided the details in this article.
