A Florida couple was arrested after police say a game of pickleball turned into a large brawl.
Anthony Sapienza, 63, and his wife, Julianne Sapienza, 51, were arrested following an incident at Spruce Creek Country Club in Port Orange, according to an arrest affidavit filed by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were called to the country club just after 11 a.m. local time on Sunday, Feb. 8, for reports of a physical fight on the pickleball court involving more than 20 people. Fire and rescue were also dispatched after reports of injuries.
Police say the game between the Sapienzas and another couple became heated when Anthony accused the opposing players of stepping into the “kitchen,” a restricted area near the net. Investigators allege verbal insults were exchanged, and after the match ended as the other couple walked away, Anthony yelled an insult directed at the other player’s wife.
According to the affidavit, the woman’s husband told Anthony not to speak to his wife that way. Police allege Anthony then approached him, punched him on the left side of the face, and struck him with a pickleball paddle, causing significant bleeding. EMS noticed a laceration above the victim’s left eye and transported him to AdventHealth Hospital for treatment.
Anthony is also accused of pushing the victim’s wife to the ground when she tried to help her husband. A third person, 70, told police he attempted to break up the fight and alleges Anthony punched him in the face, causing his nose to bleed.
A witness told police she called 911 after seeing Anthony punch the other husband and hit him with a pickleball paddle as both men fell, according to the affidavit. Investigators say Anthony and Julianne left the scene before they were later arrested.
Julianne was arrested on a charge of felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older. Anthony was arrested on two counts of felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older and aggravated battery causing bodily harm.
In charging documents, Assistant State Attorney Danielle Fields alleged Anthony intentionally caused bodily harm and used the pickleball paddle as a deadly weapon. A hearing in the case is scheduled for March 3.
Attorneys for the Sapienzas did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
