HARTLAND, Mich. – An event in Livingston County involving Shaquille O’Neal resulted in the arrest of three people.
On Friday, Sept. 27, O’Neal visited the Big Chicken in Hartland, located near the intersection of M-59 and Old 23. The restaurant chain was founded by the NBA star and is known for chicken sandwiches.
According to authorities, a 21-year-old man from Howell became confrontational and attempted to punch a Livingston County Sheriff’s deputy who was working security at the event. The deputy reportedly drew his taser but was unable to use it because a 48-year-old woman from Brighton and her 21-year-old daughter attempted to disarm the deputy.
Other deputies who were working security reportedly tried to take the man into custody, causing the two women to fall down. When a deputy went to check on the women, the man from Howell allegedly attacked the deputy from behind and put him into a headlock. The other two deputies reportedly attempted to use their tasers on the Howell man, but it was not effective.
Authorities said the three deputies collectively were able to get the man into handcuffs and were able to take the mother and daughter into custody after a brief struggle.
Surveillance footage of the incident can be watched in the video player above.
All three were lodged at the Livingston County Jail on multiple felonies.
There are plans underway to open more Big Chicken locations across Metro Detroit.
