An unexpected altercation occurred during a promotional event at a chicken restaurant in Michigan, featuring basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal, on September 27. The incident took place at Big Chicken in Hartland, a newly opened chain restaurant founded by O’Neal. As the retired NBA player was dining inside, a large crowd started to assemble outside the restaurant, leading to a tense atmosphere.
Livingston County Sheriff Michael Murphy reported that the situation escalated when the crowd was unable to gain entry to the restaurant. The arrival of O’Neal further heightened the tension. The situation deteriorated when 21-year-old William Prieto allegedly became aggressive with deputies after being asked to leave.
According to authorities, Prieto attempted to assault a deputy, which led the officer to draw his Taser. This action reportedly prompted 48-year-old Holly Strong and her 21-year-old daughter Abigail Strong, who were with Prieto, to try to disarm the deputy. Additional deputies stepped in, resulting in a physical altercation with the Strongs.
Prieto is reported to have attacked a deputy from behind, attempting to put him in a chokehold. Two deputies tried to use their Tasers, but they were ineffective. Prieto was eventually subdued and handcuffed by three officers. The Strongs continued to resist and were subsequently arrested. Deputies found a BB gun, resembling a real firearm, in Prieto’s backpack.
Video footage of the incident was shared on social media, and the sheriff’s office released a security video on Wednesday to provide a comprehensive view of the altercation. Sheriff Murphy defended the deputies’ actions, stating that they could not allow a large individual to assault an officer.
One deputy sustained minor injuries during the incident. Prieto was charged with three counts of resisting and obstructing an officer, one count of carrying a concealed weapon, and one count of attempted strangulation. Holly Strong was charged with attempting to disarm an officer, while both she and her daughter face three counts each of resisting and obstructing an officer. No other incidents were reported at the event.