What started as a friendly game of pickleball in Florida allegedly spiraled into a chaotic fight involving more than 20 people — and now a married couple is facing serious felony charges.
Anthony Sapienza, 63, and his wife, Julianne Sapienza, 51, were arrested after deputies responded to reports of a “physical fight in progress on the pickleball court” at Spruce Creek Country Club in Port Orange, according to an arrest affidavit filed by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say deputies were dispatched just after 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8. Due to reports of injuries, fire rescue crews were also called to the scene.
According to the affidavit, tensions flared during a match between the Sapienzas and another couple when Anthony accused the opposing players of stepping into the “kitchen,” a restricted 7-foot-by-20-foot area near the net designed to prevent aggressive, close-range shots.
Investigators say the game became heated, with verbal insults exchanged. After the match ended and the opposing couple began walking away, Anthony allegedly shouted an obscene insult directed at the other man’s wife.
When the husband confronted him and told him not to speak to his wife that way, authorities allege Anthony approached the man and punched him on the left side of the face. He is also accused of striking him with a pickleball paddle, causing significant bleeding.
The victim suffered a laceration above his left eye and was transported by EMS to AdventHealth Hospital for treatment.
Police further allege that when the victim’s wife tried to help her injured husband, Anthony “forcefully” pushed her to the ground. A third person, a 70-year-old man who reportedly attempted to break up the fight, told deputies that Anthony punched him in the face as well, causing his nose to bleed heavily.
That individual told police he wanted to press charges against both Anthony and Julianne.
A witness reportedly called 911 after seeing Anthony punch the other husband and hit him with the paddle as the two men fell to the ground, according to the affidavit.
Authorities say the Sapienzas left the scene before later being arrested.
Julianne was charged with felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older. Anthony faces two counts of felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older, along with aggravated battery causing bodily harm.
In charging documents, Assistant State Attorney Danielle Fields alleged that Anthony intentionally caused bodily harm and used the pickleball paddle as a deadly weapon.
A court hearing in the case is scheduled for March 3.
Spruce Creek Country Club did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and attorneys for the Sapienzas have not publicly commented on the charges.
Stupidity personified