SOLON, Ohio — Two men are facing charges after a fight broke out at a Solon City Council meeting on Monday evening.
According to a police report obtained by 3News, two men got into an altercation during the meeting after comments about antisemitism and the Chagrin Valley Islamic Center.
After the dispute in the meeting, one of the men "nearly struck the other male with his car in the parking lot," according to Solon police.
David Fleiss, 61, was charged with aggravated menacing and disorderly conduct. Adam Waldbaum, 57, was charged with disorderly conduct.
According to police, the incident happened during the meeting at Solon City Hall when a woman was expressing her frustration with "city council not condemning antisemitic comments made by individuals at the Chagrin Valley Islamic Center."
The police report further alleges that when the female went to sit down, Fleiss made some "unknown comments" toward her, causing Waldbaum to exchange words with Fleiss.
Police Chief Tonelli then addressed the crowd, cautioning that continued disruptions would result in individuals being escorted out. As he concluded his remarks and returned to his seat, Fleiss allegedly got up and passed Waldbaum, who sarcastically waved and said, "Bye-bye."
Waldbaum then allegedly swung his clipboard-holding hand to deflect Fleiss’s gesture. The interaction escalated when police say Fleiss made a fist and swung at Waldbaum. Police say he missed the punch, but knocked Waldbaum's glasses off the top of his head.
Chief Tonelli intervened, separating the two men with the assistance of another individual. The city council meeting was then canceled for the rest of the night.
Following the exchange, the two men also allegedly confronted members of the city council in the parking lot.
Police say that Fleiss' vehicle "came within a few inches of hitting Waldbaum as he jumped out of the way and swung his clipboard trying to hit the car."
Video footage of the incident during the city council meeting can be viewed below:
After reviewing video footage of the meeting, authorities determined that both men contributed to the altercation.
During an arraignment hearing, Fleiss was given a $1,500 bond.
