Daytona Beach, Florida — A wedding price dispute in Florida allegedly turned violent after a man became enraged over the cost of a beach ceremony and reportedly assaulted a 65-year-old wedding officiant.
Authorities say the bizarre confrontation unfolded Saturday afternoon at Toronita Park, leaving the officiant shaken after what began as a routine business inquiry.
Argument Started Over Beach Wedding Quote
According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a simple assault around 2:31 p.m. on May 16.
Investigators said the officiant had just finished conducting a wedding and was loading equipment into his vehicle when 35-year-old William Wells approached him to ask about prices for beach wedding services.
The conversation reportedly took a sudden turn after Wells was quoted $500 for a beach wedding ceremony.
According to reports, the suspect became angry almost immediately, escalating the discussion into a heated verbal confrontation.
Deputies Say Suspect Became “Erratic”
Authorities stated that Wells allegedly began “acting erratic” after hearing the quote.
Witness accounts and police records indicate that Wells started yelling at the officiant, insulting him and accusing him of being rude.
The situation escalated further when the officiant reportedly began recording the interaction on his cellphone.
Deputies say Wells allegedly reacted aggressively by swatting at both the victim and the phone before the confrontation became physical.
Officiant Allegedly Punched in the Stomach
According to investigators, the suspect then allegedly struck the officiant in the stomach during the argument.
“At that point, (Wells) struck (the victim) in the stomach causing (the victim) to temporarily lose his breath,” deputies noted in the report.
The alleged punch reportedly caused the elderly officiant to struggle momentarily to breathe, though officials later said he declined medical treatment at the scene.
Despite refusing treatment, the officiant reportedly informed deputies that he wanted to press charges against Wells.
Suspect Fled Before Arrest
After the alleged assault, Wells reportedly fled the area in a blue Kia registered to a woman from South Daytona.
Authorities later tracked him down at his residence with assistance from South Daytona police officers.
Wells was arrested and booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail on charges of felony battery on a person 65 years or older.
According to deputies, Wells admitted to arguing with the officiant and swatting at the cellphone but denied punching the victim in the stomach.
Prior Criminal History Mentioned by Deputies
Following the arrest, deputies reportedly noted that Wells has a criminal history that includes multiple prior battery convictions.
Authorities also referenced previous felony-related offenses involving fleeing/eluding law enforcement and narcotics violations.
The incident has sparked reactions online, with many people expressing shock that a disagreement over wedding pricing allegedly escalated into violence involving an elderly officiant.
While the investigation continues, the case serves as another example of how quickly public confrontations can spiral out of control.
What do you think about this shocking incident over wedding pricing? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
