Galt High School vice principal Robert E. Rappleye Jr., 61, was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon July 13, Angels Camp police officials said.
The vice principal's alleged weapon of choice? A golf club.
Rappleye, an Elk Grove resident, and others went golfing that day at the Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort in Angels Camp. Rappleye became frustrated at the slow pace of a group of golfers playing ahead on the 18th hole, according to a police news release.
A husband and wife in the group ahead approached Rappleye to talk about the problem. Witnesses say the husband became angry when Rappleye used foul language directed to the husband's wife, according to the release.
The argument turned violent when Rappleye swung one of his golf clubs at the husband, the news release said.
The husband tried to block the swing with his left arm, injuring him.
Rappleye swung a second time with the husband turning his back to defend himself. Rappleye struck the husband's left shoulder blade, the news release said.
Audrey Kilpatrick, chief business official for Galt Joint Union High School District, said the district has cooperated with the police investigation. She would not say whether Rappleye is on leave, but she confirmed he is currently considered an employee for the district.
Officer Chris Johnson of Angels Camp Police Department arrived at the golf course to find the two men still arguing. The victim was bleeding when Johnson arrived, the news release said. The victim pointed out Rappleye as the man responsible for his injuries.
Rappleye admitted the attack, the news release said.
Rappleye was arrested on scene and taken to the Calaveras County jail.
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