North Naples, FL - A man faces charges after allegedly threatening a group of Southwest Florida pickleball players with a machete late Saturday night.
The Collier County Sheriff's Office received a call shortly before midnight regarding a man threatening people at the pickleball courts of the Pelican Marsh Community Center.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered the suspect, identified as 54-year-old Joseph Devalle.
Witnesses reported Devalle displayed signs of alcohol intoxication.
According to the police report, Devalle approached the courts in an aggressive manner, yelling at the players to leave.
The report further details Devalle kicking over chairs and pushing them around.
The situation escalated when Devalle reportedly retrieved a machete from his vehicle and threatened the players with it.
Devalle later claimed to deputies that he felt threatened by the players after they suggested he "make them leave" the court.
He stated he retrieved the machete to intimidate the players and make them depart.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Devalle was arrested and charged with four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intention to kill.