PRESS RELEASE
July 16th, 2012
SUBJECT: Assault With a Deadly Weapon / ACPD Case # 12-0700
CONTACT: Chief Todd Fordahl, Tel. (209)736-2567 / [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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.
Rappleye was booked into the Calaveras County Jail on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon.
###
