Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal’s promotional appearance at a chicken restaurant in Michigan on September 27 led to an unexpected altercation. The incident occurred at the newly opened Big Chicken in Hartland, a chain founded by O’Neal himself. As the former NBA star enjoyed his meal inside, a large crowd began to gather outside the establishment, leading to rising tensions.
According to Livingston County Sheriff Michael Murphy, the situation escalated when the crowd was unable to gain entry to the restaurant. The arrival of O’Neal further intensified the atmosphere. The situation took a turn for the worse when 21-year-old William Prieto reportedly became aggressive with deputies after being asked to leave.
Authorities report that Prieto attempted to strike a deputy, prompting the officer to draw his Taser. This action allegedly led 48-year-old Holly Strong and her 21-year-old daughter Abigail Strong, who were accompanying Prieto, to try to disarm the deputy. Additional deputies intervened, resulting in a physical altercation with the Strongs.
Prieto is said to have attacked a deputy from behind, attempting to put him in a chokehold. Two deputies reportedly 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 taken into custody. Deputies discovered a BB gun, resembling a real firearm, in Prieto’s backpack.
Footage of the incident circulated on social media, but 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.