Spruce Creek Country Club pickleball brawl leaves couple facing felony charges

A dispute over whether a shot was legal in the pickleball "kitchen" at Spruce Creek Country Club in Port Orange, Fla., escalated into a physical altercation that involved as many as 20 players and left at least one person injured, authorities said. Volusia County arrest records say the confrontation began during a match between two married couples and turned violent after insults were exchanged.

The arrest affidavit alleges that 63-year-old Anthony Sapienza struck an opponent in the face with a paddle and punched him while he was on the ground, then continued as other players became involved. The affidavit further alleges that 51-year-old Julianne Sapienza joined the assault once the man was on the ground. Deputies were dispatched at 11 a.m. on Sunday after a 911 caller reported a fight on the court, and the couple later fled to their home before being arrested and booked, according to law enforcement accounts.

Prosecutors charged Anthony Sapienza with two counts of felony battery on a person 65 years or older and with an additional count of aggravated battery causing bodily harm, filings show. Julianne Sapienza was charged with one count of felony battery on a person 65 or older. The New York Times noted the first count carries a maximum sentence of five years and the aggravated battery count carries a possible 15-year sentence. Assistant State Attorney Danielle Fields alleged in the charging documents that Anthony Sapienza used a pickleball paddle as a "deadly weapon" to intentionally cause "great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement."

At least one victim required EMS transport to a local hospital with a laceration above his eye that may result in "permanent scarring," court documents and emergency responders reported. A man described as about 70 years old who tried to intervene told deputies Anthony Sapienza punched him while attempting to break up the fight, according to the arrest narrative. The felony counts specifically reference victims aged 65 or older, which raises the statutory enhancement in the battery charges.

Spruce Creek General Manager Matt Payne told local reporters the Sapienzas were not members of the country club and have been permanently banned from the gated community and club facilities. The match and subsequent fight were reported to have occurred on Feb. 8 at the Spruce Creek courts, roughly 12 miles southwest of Daytona Beach, and the Volusia County Sheriff's Office prepared the affidavit that led to the charges.

The couple has pleaded not guilty and a court hearing is scheduled for March 3. Anthony Sapienza's lawyer, Matthew W. Thompson, said by email, "There is far more to this story than what has been alleged, and we are confident that the facts will ultimately demonstrate his innocence," and "We will vigorously defend him against these accusations.