Bear Spray Encounter at Missouri Wedding

So, if you’re ever considering whether to pack bear spray for a wedding, it might actually be a good idea. You never quite know when it could come in handy. Even if bears aren’t on the guest list, sometimes family dynamics can be just as wild.

That seemed to be the takeaway from an incident last weekend at a wedding venue. A 28-year-old man from Missouri became involved in several skirmishes with family members and other guests at events leading up to the wedding, according to the local sheriff’s department.

Authorities were summoned to a venue in Sunset Bluffs, Washington, Missouri, after witnesses noted that Benjamin J. Reeders had assaulted multiple individuals, including a photographer who ended up with minor injuries.

Reeders also allegedly pushed his mother to the ground and used bear spray on her before law enforcement arrived. It didn’t stop there; he reportedly became combative and resisted arrest once deputies showed up.

As a result, Reeders faces charges for fourth-degree assault, third-degree assault, and resisting arrest, with his bond set at $20,000.

In a statement, the wedding venue addressed the incident, explaining that it occurred while a small group of the wedding party was preparing. ”The guest arrived in emotional distress and got into an argument with his family and the photographer,” they noted, adding that they were thankful everyone was safe.

They also expressed gratitude toward law enforcement and mentioned that the wedding proceeded as planned, emphasizing that ensuring everyone’s safety was a top priority.

Honestly, it’s kind of heartening, isn’t it? Even with a bear spray incident and police intervention, the celebration continued. Just goes to show that not even a little chaos can cancel a wedding.