The Santee Sheriff's Department has responded to at least seven fights at Carlton Oaks Golf Course since January, including a 20-man "old western style brawl" in October, according to sheriff's Sgt. Tom Poulin.
The fights don't only happen in the bar—they've broken out in the parking lot and surrounding grounds of the golf course. In each of those cases deputies were called once the fight has gone beyond the control of Carlton Oaks security.
"When the Sheriff's Dept. is called in to deal with such a fight all available units respond, causing a serious drain on local law enforcement resources," said Poulin.
A major brawl in the bar on October 11 involved about 20 subjects, and at least one was swinging a bar stool, with others using beer bottles as weapons. Two people were hospitalized following that incident, with lacerations to the face and head.
Two Santee brothers, aged 27 and 30, are suspected of instigating the fight. A warrant has been issued for one of the suspects, a member of the armed forces who will be transferred from overseas to face charges.
The Sheriff's Dept. has made five DUI arrests in the area of Carlton Oaks in the last year, which doesn't include CHP arrests, and according Poulin, the CHP patrols the area regularly.
Poulin said Carlton Oaks is working with the Sheriff's Dept. and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to do what's necessary to prevent these fights before they get out of control.
