Pickleball Match Ends in Bloody Court & Felony Assault Charges

A St. Augustine, Fla. woman is facing felony assault charges after allegedly beating a man at a neighborhood Pickleball court. The weapon according to the arrest warrant was a Pickleball paddle.

Michelle Bannister, 47, has pleaded not guilty to aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and giving false identification to law enforcement.

Her attorney, Rosemarie Peoples of the Smith & Eulo law firm, told The St John's Citizen that Bannister’s actions were necessary to stop a “violent attempt” to attack her young son, however officers said she was in no imminent danger as reported by CBS 47 Jacksonville.

Bannister bonded out on $8,000 and is scheduled to appear in court in July 2026.