Mass Brawl at Shaquille O’Neal Event Leads to Arrests in Michigan

Three individuals have been taken into custody following a significant altercation during an event attended by former NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal in Hartland, Michigan. The incident, which occurred on September 27, 2024, outside Big Chicken—a restaurant chain affiliated with O’Neal—escalated when tensions among a large crowd led to a confrontation with law enforcement, according to the Livingston County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff’s Office detailed that the disorder began when William Prieto, 21, confronted a deputy attempting to manage the crowd. As the deputy tried to engage with Prieto, he reportedly struck the officer, prompting a response that included the deployment of a taser. “At that time, a 48-year-old Brighton resident who was with the 21-year-old male attempted to disarm the deputy and was joined by her daughter, a 21-year-old, in obstructing the deputy,” the Sheriff’s Office reported.

Additional deputies arrived on the scene to assist in restraining Prieto and the two women, later identified as Abigail Strong, 21, and Holly Strong, 48. During the ensuing struggle, the two women fell to the ground but continued attempting to resist arrest. Meanwhile, Prieto intensified the situation by attacking a deputy from behind, attempting to place him in a chokehold, necessitating further intervention. Despite efforts to subdue him with tasers, Prieto was ultimately subdued by three deputies and put in handcuffs.

Authorities disclosed that a BB gun designed to resemble a pistol was later found in Prieto’s possession. Sheriff Michael Murphy described the officers’ course of action, maintaining, “I mean, what are we supposed to do? Are we supposed to let this… guy, you know, beat up my deputy for whatever reason? That’s not the way it works.”

All three suspects were subsequently transported to the Livingston County Jail. Prieto faces charges of carrying a concealed weapon and resisting arrest, while the Strong women face three counts of resisting an officer. Fortunately, the deputy involved sustained only minor injuries, and the event with Shaquille O’Neal continued without further incidents.

Sheriff Murphy commented on the incident’s aftermath, referencing social media attention: “They got their five minutes of YouTube fame. I’m just not sure that’s how they wanted, especially with the criminal charges.”