Lawn mowing business rivalry led to beating, deputies say

Lawn mowing apparently is serious business in West Boca.

That’s where a rivalry between two lawn care businesses got out of hand and landed one man in the hospital severely beaten, police said.

Earnest Durkee, 50, of West Boca, was beaten Aug. 22 outside a gas station, according to a Palm Beach Sheriff ’s report.

David Johnson, 38, of West Boca, was arrested Sunday and charged with assaulting Durkee.

He told deputies that Durkee had accused his son, Trent, of stealing customers from his lawn mowing business.

Durkee had been harassing Trent Johnson and tried to take away his weed-whacker two days earlier, Johnson told deputies.

Johnson said he pushed Durkee down at the Cumberland Farms station, near Sandalfoot Boulevard and State Road 7, but didn’t punch or kick him, the report said.

Paramedics took Durkee to West Boca Medical Center, where he received 20 stitches for cuts.

Doctors later found that his brain was

swollen, according to the report.

When called Monday, a woman who identified herself as David Johnson’s wife said her husband works 60 hours a week and had no criminal history. She declined to comment further.

Durkee could not be reached for comment.

David Johnson was booked into Palm Beach County Jail and was held on $15,000 bond.