Chaos disrupted a routine Solon City Council meeting when tempers flared, and punches flew, landing two men in hot water with the law. The commotion began during a heated debate over antisemitism and the Chagrin Valley Islamic Center, reported WKYC, culminating in David Fleiss, 61, and Adam Waldbaum, 57, facing disorderly conduct charges.
Cleveland.com detailed how the confrontation ensued when a woman voiced her concerns over the city council's perceived lack of condemnation toward antisemitic remarks attributed to individuals at the local Islamic center. Fleiss commented on the woman's speech, which led to a verbal altercation with Waldbaum, inciting further escalation. The intervention of Solon Police Chief Richard Tonelli proved insufficient to quell the agitated parties.
According to the same Cleveland.com report, after being cautioned by Chief Tonelli to maintain decorum, Fleiss attempted to exit, passing Waldbaum, who then sarcastically bid him farewell. The situation intensified as Waldbaum reportedly deflected Fleiss's hand with a clipboard, inciting Fleiss to throw a missed punch that sent Waldbaum's glasses flying.
As the incident spilled over to the parking lot, Fleiss was accused of driving dangerously close to hitting Waldbaum, who had to evade the vehicle, noted Cleveland19. After reviewing video footage, authorities arrested Fleiss and slapped him with an additional charge of aggravated menacing. Waldbaum, although involved, was not taken into custody.
