A Villager was arrested after allegedly pursuing her ex-husband at the pickleball courts at a recreation center.
Bonnie Burgess, 74, of the Village of El Cortez, was arrested this past Sunday after showing up at the pickleball courts at the La Hacienda Recreation Center, according to an arrest report from the Lady Lake Police Department.
Her ex-husband works for the Recreation Department checking IDs, the report said. He obtained a court order in February, mandating that she remain 100 yards away from his place of employment.
He called police when his ex-wife showed up at the pickleball courts. When police officers arrived on the scene, the ex-husband pointed out Burgess.
The New York native quickly fled out of the north gate of the pickleball courts. She abandoned her golf cart, where her phone and personal items were stored. A police officer began to run after Burgess, who “continued walking away.” Officers shouted her name, she finally stopped and she was handcuffed.
Burgess admitted she was aware that her ex-husband works at the La Hacienda pickleball courts, but told police, “He does not normally work on Sundays.” She said she “had no intention of harm” and “did not understand why she could not come play pickleball,” the report said.
Burgess also works for the Recreation Department. She was promoted from Recreation Assistant to Recreation Leader in 2023.
She was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of violating an injunction. She was booked at the Lake County Jail and released on her own recognizance.