3 arrested after wedding brawl

One groom has a wedding gift he'd probably like to return -- a disorderly conduct charge complete with a trip to the police station.

Arlington Heights resident David H. Graham, 30, was arrested along with his uncle and another relative after a fight broke out at Graham's wedding party Oct. 13 at Meridian Banquets, 1701 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows.

The fight started as a verbal argument between Graham and his uncle Sam P. Cook. Eventually it escalated into a physical fight and Meridian employees called the police, said Bill Exintas, the banquet hall's manager.

"It's my understanding they were fighting about money," Exintas said. "When the police came there was a commotion and one guy insulted a police officer. I think he also attacked the bride."

That man was 32-year-old Brian J. Graham, of Melrose Park. According to a Rolling Meadows police report, Brian Graham punched a Rolling Meadows police officer in the head and pushed the bride into a table shortly after police arrived, said Sgt. Tony Gaspari of the Rolling Meadows Police Department.

"He was very uncooperative," said Gaspari of Brian Graham. "Officers tried to restrain him and he starting fighting with the officers."

Brian Graham was charged with resisting arrest and two counts of battery. Gaspari is not sure if Brian and David Graham are related.

David Graham and his uncle, Sam Cook, 49, of Elmhurst, were charged with disorderly conduct.

All three were under the influence of alcohol, Gaspari said.

David Graham, Brian Graham and Sam Cook were all taken to the Rolling Meadows police station that night and released on bond. Their next court date is Nov. 13.

The fight broke out close to midnight and the wedding reception was pretty much over at the point. The bride left unhappy, Exintas added.

"I feel sorry for her; she was such a sweetheart," he said.