Florida man attempts to steal golf balls, beats golfer, deputies say

The golfer then went inside the Golf Club Pro Shop to report Dearden.

The golfer said when he went back to the driving range, Dearden came up to him and stated he wanted to apologize.

The golfer said Dearden began to punch him and knocked him to the ground.

Deputies said Dearden beat the golfer to the point that he had a broken rib, several bruises and cuts that required nine stitches.

Dearden told deputies he was defending himself because the golfer threatened him by pointing a golf club at him, the affidavit said.

Dearden was arrested and charged with aggravated battery on a person 65 years of age or older, according to Marion County Jail records. He is in jail on $10,000 bail.