A sixty-one (61) year-old Elk Grove man was arrested on Friday, July 13th, for striking another man twice with a golf club on the arm and on the upper back.
At approximately 7:40 PM on July 13th,
Angels Camp Police responded to a reported altercation between four
golfers near the pro shop at the Greenhorn Creek Golf Course. When
Officer Chris Johnson arrived on scene he found two males still engaged
in a verbal altercation in the parking lot near the pro shop. One of the
two males was bleeding from injuries to his left shoulder blade and to
his left forearm. Medical assistance was requested and the injured male
pointed out another subject that he said was responsible for his
injuries.
Ofc.
Johnson detained another male in the parking lot, who was apparently
loading his golf clubs into his car and preparing to leave. Robert E.
Rappleye Jr., 61 years-old, from Elk Grove, CA, admitted to striking the
victim while they were on the 18th tee of the golf course.
Ofc. Johnson noticed a small amount of blood on the Rappleye’s chin, and
Rappleye declined medical treatment at the scene. Rappleye was detained
while Ofc. Johnsons conducted his investigation into the assault.
Witnesses
stated that the altercation started when Rappleye and his golfing
partners became angry over the pace of play of some golfers ahead of
them on the 18th hole. One of the female golfers that were
playing ahead of Rappleye is the wife of the victim, and the victim
approached Rappleye and his golfing partners to discuss the issue.
According to one witness, the victim was upset over the language and
tone of the conversation directed at his wife.
The
verbal altercation became physical and violent when Rappleye took one
of his golf clubs and struck the victim two times. According to the
victim and witnesses, the first injury was sustained when the victim
used his left arm in an attempt to block the golf club that Rappleye
swung at him. When Rappleye swung the club a second time, the victim
turned away and exposed his back, and Rappleye struck him in the upper
left shoulder blade. Another witness reported that he attempted to
intervene but was reportedly threatened by Rappleye, who was still
brandishing the golf club. The victim was treated and released by
paramedics on scene.
