Surfer allegedly attacks elderly woman during Morro Bay competition
A Morro Bay surfer was arrested Saturday, when police say he apparently decided to leave the water and knock an old woman to the ground.
According to a Morro Bay Police Department news release, 39-year-old Brian Robert Sprinkle was surfing near Morro Rock when he allegedly exited the water and attacked a nearby elderly woman without provocation.
Witnesses to the attack intervened to assist the woman, according to the release.
The Big, Bad and Ugly surfing competition was taking place in the area at the same time. Police said he was competing, but Estero Bay Surf Club member Dana Putnam told The Tribune Sprinkle was not surfing in the competition.
“He was belligerent and trying to get into the contest, which was not allowed because it was already full,” Putnam said.
Police believe the man was under the influence of marijuana and hallucinogenic drugs at the time. They also located and removed a firearm from the surfer’s property, according to the release.
Sprinkle was taken into custody on felony charges of elder abuse and battery and booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail. As of Monday morning, he was no longer in custody.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to clarify Sprinkle’s involvement in the surf competition. He was not competing.
This story was originally published February 17, 2020 at 11:45 AM.
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