Rival Family-Owned Paving Companies Clash in 'Sopranos'-Style Brawl
Mug shots of six family members of the Buckland family. Top, from left: Mark Buckland Sr., Willy Buckland Sr., Luke Buckland; Bottom from left: Willy Buckland Jr., Mark Judy Buckland, James Small. Photo courtesy of Monroe County Sherriff.
A violent dispute between two paving companies in Georgia escalated into what police described as a "Sopranos"-style brawl involving bats, sticks, and guns. The altercation — which unfolded in the suburban streets of Monroe County, Georgia — resulted in the arrest of six men and left the community shocked by its mob-like intensity.
How a Feud Turned Violent
Six members of the Buckland family, who own and operate multiple asphalt businesses, were charged following a Dec. 19, 2024, confrontation with EH Paving employees in Bolingbroke, Georgia. The suspects include:
- Mark Buckland Sr., 77
- Mark Buckland Jr., 58
- Willy Buckland Sr., 50
- Willy Buckland Jr., 22
- Luke Buckland, 28
- James Small, 21
According to an incident report obtained by PEOPLE, tensions reportedly flared over EH Paving's work near a Buckland family member's residence — a move the Bucklands allegedly found disrespectful. The report also indicates that Mark Jr., Mark Sr., and Willy Sr. each own asphalt companies that compete with EH Paving.
The confrontation unfolded just after 1 p.m. on Estes Road when a property owner contacted 911, reporting that multiple men arrived in three trucks wielding sticks and bats. The EH Paving crew initially attempted to retreat by backing up the driveway but found themselves cornered. The attackers allegedly began swinging bats and striking the workers. In an effort to stop the violence, one of the EH Paving employees fired a gunshot into the woods.
Eddie Harrison, the owner of EH Paving, told deputies he feared for his life when Mark Sr. allegedly brandished a long "cowboy-style pistol" and pointed it directly at him, as reported by PEOPLE.
When questioned by police for motive, Mark Jr. stated to officers that he had been punched during the altercation and said the attack was "just a misunderstanding," as reported by FOX News. However, authorities remain skeptical, given the scale of the violence and the premeditated nature of the confrontation.
'Sopranos'-Like Brawl
Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman told local outlet 13WMAZ, a CBS News affiliate, that the alleged attack was "like something out of "The Sopranos" TV series. ... These are adult men too. Adult men with pretty good reputations."
Public Information Officer Anna Greene Watkins told PEOPLE, "Things like this usually do not happen here in Monroe County."
Legal Repercussions
The six men were arrested and charged as follows:
- Mark Buckland Sr. has been charged with trespassing, tampering with evidence, and pointing a pistol.
- Mark Buckland Jr. faces charges of trespassing, inciting a riot, and battery.
- Willy Buckland Sr. is charged with trespassing and aggravated assault.
- Willy Buckland Jr., Luke Buckland, and James Small face charges of trespassing and battery.
All six men were released on bond after two days in jail.
Law enforcement continues to investigate, and additional charges may follow. As of now, it remains unclear if there is any history of violence between the Bucklands and EH Paving.
References: 6 Men from Ga. Paving Company Allegedly Attack Competitors with Bats, Sticks: 'Something Out of The Sopranos' | Family accused of 'Sopranos'-style brawl with bats, guns against rival paving company: police | 'Like something out of the Sopranos' | 6 men from paving family arrested after assaulting another paving family, sheriff's office says
