Rhett Drummond was playing golf at Lansbrook Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Florida, when he allegedly attacked a 15-year-old boy over the teenager's slow play, ramming him with a golf cart and then beating him as he fell to the ground, according to police.
Background
The incident occurred on the morning of Aug. 22 when Drummond and the teenage victim began arguing about the boy's pace of play on the course, authorities said. According to an affidavit obtained by NBC affiliate WFLA, both men were "being disrespectful toward each other" during their initial altercation before they separated and went to different parts of the golf course.
The calm was short-lived. Police said Drummond allegedly got into his golf cart and drove directly into the cart being operated by the teenager. When the teen attempted to drive away, Drummond reportedly blocked his escape.
The Investigation
According to investigators, Drummond then allegedly reached into the victim's cart and pulled him out by his shirt, throwing him to the ground. While the teen was on the ground, Drummond struck him in the head and face multiple times, police said.
Officers who responded to the scene observed red marks on the teenager's neck and noted he had a bloody nose. The victim told investigators he tried to flee but was unable to get away before the attack.
Family members of the teen told Palm Harbor police they wanted to press charges against Drummond, who reportedly admitted his involvement in the physical altercation. Investigators determined there were no other witnesses to the assault.
Drummond was booked into the Pinellas County Jail and charged with third-degree child abuse, a felony offense. He posted $500 cash bond on Aug. 22 and appeared in court the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Rhett Drummond, 50, has been charged with third-degree child abuse following an alleged attack on a 15-year-old boy at Lansbrook Golf Club
- The dispute allegedly began over accusations that the teenager was playing too slowly
- Police said Drummond rammed the teen's golf cart with his own vehicle before physically pulling him off and striking him
- The victim suffered red marks on his neck and a bloody nose, according to investigators
What's Next
Online court records indicate no future court date had been set as of publication. Drummond remains out on bond while the case proceeds through Pinellas County Circuit Court.