In a dramatic and violent dispute, six members of the Buckland family in Monroe County, Georgia, face criminal charges after allegedly attacking employees of a rival paving company in an altercation described by law enforcement as “something out of The Sopranos.” The confrontation, which involved bats, sticks, and a firearm, highlights an escalating rivalry between the Buckland family’s paving business and EH Paving.
The Incident
The altercation occurred on December 19, 2024, when EH Paving employees were working near a property owned by the Buckland family. Angered by the proximity of the rival company’s work, the Bucklands allegedly confronted the crew in a violent clash.
Mark Buckland Sr., 77, reportedly initiated the incident by firing a rifle into nearby woods to intimidate the EH Paving employees. Witnesses claim that other family members, including Mark Buckland Jr., 58, and Willy Buckland Sr., 50, attacked workers with bats and sticks, leaving several injured. Two EH Paving employees sustained minor injuries, while others fled the scene unharmed.
Arrests and Charges
The six Buckland family members and an associate have been charged with various offenses, including:
- Mark Buckland Sr.: Criminal trespass, tampering with evidence, and pointing a firearm.
- Mark Buckland Jr.: Inciting a riot, criminal trespass, and simple battery.
- Willy Buckland Sr.: Aggravated assault and criminal trespass.
- Willy Buckland Jr., 22; Luke Buckland, 28; and James Small, 21: Simple battery and criminal trespass.
The suspects were arrested and held in Monroe County Jail before being released on bond.
A Feud Escalates
Local authorities indicate that the Buckland family has had a history of disputes with EH Paving, accusing them of harassment and intimidation. The owner of EH Paving revealed that the Bucklands have previously followed their crews to job sites and instigated confrontations.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve had trouble with them,” said a spokesperson for EH Paving. “But this is the first time it’s turned violent.”
Law Enforcement Response
Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman expressed frustration with the violent escalation, emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable. “We don’t settle business disputes with bats and guns,” Freeman said. “This kind of behavior endangers the entire community, and we will hold those responsible accountable.”
Community Reaction
The incident has shaken residents in Monroe County, a small and typically quiet area. Local leaders have called for calm and urged business owners to resolve disputes through legal and non-violent channels.
“This type of violence is not who we are as a community,” one resident said. “It’s shocking to see something like this happen here.”
Next Steps
The Buckland family members are scheduled to appear in court in January. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, focusing on preventing further violence between the two businesses.
The case highlights the dangers of unresolved rivalries escalating into violence and serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing disputes through lawful means. As the community processes the fallout from this dramatic episode, local leaders are working to ensure such incidents do not recur.