A beachside ceremony in Port Orange turned violent after a guest became furious over the cost.
What should have been a peaceful beach wedding ended in an arrest after a Florida man allegedly punched a 69-year-old officiant — all over a disagreement about the ceremony’s price.
William Wells, 35, is now charged with battery of a person 65 or older — a charge that carries serious legal weight in Florida.
According to police, the incident happened around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at Toronita Park in Port Orange. The officiant and his employee had just finished the ceremony and were packing up when Wells walked over and started asking about the cost.
Wells argued the wedding “should have been $500,” called the officiant “rude,” and began hurling insults at him. When the victim tried to call 911, Wells started swatting at him — and one blow hit the older man in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him.
It didn’t stop there. Wells then allegedly threatened to “call his boys” — warning they’d arrive before police could. He drove off in a blue Kia, but Volusia County Sheriff’s deputies spotted the vehicle and pulled it over shortly after.
After being read his Miranda rights, Wells admitted to arguing with the officiant but denied hitting him. He told deputies he got upset because the victim was recording him and his car.
- Bond: $5,000 — already posted
- Court date: June 16
- Prior record: Multiple assault convictions, fleeing & eluding, drug charges
- Location: Toronita Park, Port Orange, Florida
Deputies noted Wells had a history of assault convictions, along with prior arrests for fleeing and eluding and drug-related offenses. At one point during the stop, officers had to tell him to calm down as he became increasingly agitated.
It remains unclear how Wells was connected to the wedding party.
