Funeral fight draws deputies to cemetery

Groveland Twp.- Police responded Wednesday afternoon to Ortonville Cemetery to break up a fight amongst a reported 40 family members after they buried their grandfather in his final resting place.
According to an Oakland County Sheriff’s Office report, six OCSO deputies responded at about 12:35 p.m., Oct. 10 to the cemetery located at 175 N. Ortonville Road, with information that several family members were involved in a fistfight, a man had been pepper sprayed and beaten, and that a comment had been made about getting a firearm from a vehicle.
Six deputies responded to the cemetery and upon arrival found several family members around the grave. Groveland Fire Department was called to give assistance to the male victim who had been pepper sprayed, punched and kicked, and other family members were directed out of the cemetery, leaving without further incident.
Michigan State Police troopers arrived on scene and were briefed by OCSO Sgt. Pete Burkett, commander of the Brandon substation. MSP will conduct the assault and battery investigation. OCSO deputies stood by to keep the peace while MSP began their investigation.