St. Augustine Woman Charged After Pickleball Paddle Attack

A St. Augustine woman is facing a felony charge after a dispute during a pickleball match at Treaty Park escalated into a physical confrontation. The 47-year-old resident was arrested following an incident where a pickleball paddle was allegedly used as a deadly weapon to strike another player.

The altercation began during a morning match at the popular St. Johns County park. Witnesses indicated the disagreement started over who should retrieve a ball. Following the game, a verbal argument broke out between the victim and the woman's son regarding gameplay. Investigators say the woman intervened in the discussion and struck the victim in the head multiple times with her paddle.

The victim suffered several facial lacerations that resulted in heavy bleeding. While the woman claimed she was acting in defense of her son, responding deputies determined the son was not in immediate danger at the time of the strike. Because the paddle was used in a manner that could cause serious bodily injury, the woman was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

In addition to the felony battery charge, the woman faces a misdemeanor count of providing a false identification to law enforcement. Deputies noted she allegedly provided an incorrect name twice during the initial investigation. The woman, who works locally as an orthopaedic nurse, was taken into custody following the statements provided by the victim and several witnesses at the scene.

Treaty Park is a frequent destination for local athletes, and this incident has drawn attention to the growing intensity of the sport in the community. The case remains under investigation by the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.