By Mike Wood

Staff writer

Thursday, July 25 (2:00 p.m.): GRF senior management is investigating a July 13 incident in which an apparent physical altercation between two female residents in the Tice Creek Fitness Center gymnasium prompted responses by Securitas and the Walnut Creek Police Department.

The incident happened around 3:55 p.m. that Saturday during designated gym time for pickleball.

Walnut Creek police were dispatched to the Fitness Center for a mutual pushing-and-shoving match involving two individuals arguing over political issues, Walnut Creek police Lt. Bruce Jower told the News. A citation was issued to one of the individuals, who was released at the scene, he said.

The full police report on the incident had not yet been completed, Jower said, and further details were not available, including specifics about the citation.

The incident came less than an hour after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a political event in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Conflicting accounts of the incident and how it unfolded were provided to Securitas by of each of the two involved residents. The Securitas report indicated there was video recording in the gym by one resident, an argument ensued, and that person was asked to leave when the physical altercation took place.

The News’ policy is to not name residents in civil disputes that are reported to Securitas.

GRF staff are investigating possible violations of GRF Rule 102.0, which addresses Fitness Center usage, including conduct.

“GRF Rule 102.0 states that ‘aggressive, inappropriate or unwelcome physical behavior, contact or conversation of any kind’ is never acceptable in the Fitness Center,” Kelsey Clyma, senior manager of resident services, wrote in a statement to the News.

“Staff is reviewing an incident report about a physical altercation between two residents at the Fitness Center on Saturday, July 13,” Clyma stated. “After the review, staff will determine what action may be taken. Rule 102.0 states that ‘Repeated offenses may result in possible suspension of the use privileges of the Fitness Center facilities at the discretion of the General Manager or his/her designee.’”

Both residents involved are members of the Rossmoor Pickleball Club, Hal Kushins, the club’s vice president, confirmed to the News. The club’s board is conducting its own investigation, as per club rules, he said.

“The Pickleball Club is aware of the incident, and there is a procedure we are following when there is alleged misconduct,” Kushins said, adding that he could not comment further because of the club’s investigation being in progress. “The board takes this seriously.”