Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler was arrested by police in Louisville on Friday morning on his way to the PGA Championship, with stunning footage showing him handcuffed as he was led to a police car and accused of assaulting a police officer after allegedly attempted to avoid traffic, following an investigation into the death of a pedestrian. . Scheffler was released later that morning and continued to participate in the tournament.
Police said Scheffler was convicted of second-degree assault on a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and failure to obey the traffic signals of an officer directing traffic. In a statement to CBS News, Scheffler’s attorney Steve Romines said the golfer “did not at any time assault an officer with his vehicle” and added that “we will litigate this matter if necessary.”
In a statement posted to Instagram, Scheffler said he was in a “very chaotic situation.”
“There was a big misunderstanding about what I thought I was being asked to do,” Scheffler said. “It was never my intention to ignore any of the instructions. I hope I can put that aside and focus on golf today.”
Police said a pedestrian was struck by a bus while crossing the road in a lane designated for tournament traffic. Police said the man died at the scene, CBS affiliate WLKY reported. Traffic was backed up for about a mile in both directions on the only road leading to Valhalla Golf Club, with dozens of police cars flashing red and blue lights near the entrance.
Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 player, then began the second round shortly after 10 a.m. EDT. After finishing Friday’s tour, Scheffler told reporters he would not discuss specific details of the incident, but he said he did not know at the time that the accident that awaited him in traffic was fatal.
“I feel like my head is still spinning,” Scheffler said. “I can’t really explain what happened this morning. I spent some time stretching in a prison cell, that was a first for me.”
Scheffler said he was confident the charges would be “resolved, I think, fairly quickly.”
Why was Scottie Scheffler arrested?
According to a police report, Scheffler was in an eastbound lane and stopped in the westbound lanes, where a uniformed detective was standing. The detective stopped Scheffler and attempted to give him instructions, but Scheffler “refused to comply and accelerated,” according to the report.
The detective, identified as Det. Gillis, was dragged “to the ground” and suffered “pain, swelling and abrasions to his left wrist,” according to the report.
The detective was wearing a high-visibility reflective vest when he stopped Scheffler’s car to give instructions, the arrest docket states. Gillis was taken to the hospital for his injuries.
The Louisville Metro Police Department said in a statement that all lanes were closed during the investigation into the traffic crash.
“While an officer was directing traffic, an encounter with a motorist attempting to enter a restricted area ultimately led to the driver’s arrest,” police said in a statement. “We are conducting a thorough investigation. We appreciate the full cooperation of all parties involved.”
Romines said Scheffler was driving a marked player’s vehicle and proceeding as he was instructed.
“I think the officer directing traffic may not have been part of the traffic details of the event and that’s where the miscommunication came about, and that’s why we’re here.” , Romines told WLKY.
ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington said he saw Scheffler drive past a police officer shortly after 6 a.m. in his SUV. He said police removed Scheffler from the vehicle, pushed him against the car and immediately handcuffed him.
ESPN via AP
“Scheffler was then led to the police car, placed in the back, handcuffed, very stunned by what was happening, he looked towards me while he was handcuffed and said, ‘Please Please, help me,’” Darlington said. “He very clearly didn’t know what was going on in the situation. It unfolded very quickly, very quickly, very aggressively.”
Darlington said the incident started with a “misunderstanding with traffic.”
As cars were backed into the morning darkness, other PGA-marked vehicles attempted to move slowly toward the entrance. Traffic finally started moving slowly a little before 7 a.m.
A PGA of America spokesperson identified the man who was struck by the shuttle as John Mills. In a statement, Greg Dillard of the PGA said Mills, an employee of one of the group’s suppliers, was on his way to work when he was hit.
“This is heartbreaking for all of us involved in the PGA Championship,” the PGA said in a statement. “We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear offered his condolences on social media, saying: “Our hearts are broken and we continue to pray for the victim’s family. »
“The events that occurred subsequently were the unfortunate result of this tragic incident, and we hope that all parties involved can reach a resolution,” Beshear said.
Scheffler also expressed sympathy for the deceased man.
“It really puts everything into perspective,” Scheffler said on social media.
The Louisville Metropolitan Corrections Department’s website briefly showed a booking photo of Scheffler before the photo was removed. According to the website, Scheffler was released at 8:40 a.m.
Louisville Metropolitan Correctional Department
Did Scottie Scheffler play today?
Scheffler returned to the course at 9:12 a.m. He made his way to the practice area around 9:30 a.m. and was greeted by fans – one of them shouting “Release Scottie!”
Scheffler appeared to be his normal, relaxed self, sharing a few laughs on the driving range. Then he came out and birdied his first hole of the day after sticking his approach shot to three feet. Scheffler finished Friday’s round two shots behind leader Collin Morikawa at nine under par for the tournament, CBS Sports reports.
It was a surreal start to what has already been a week of wild weather – the Masters champion and first in the world, dressed in workout clothes, hands cuffed behind his back amid flashing flights.
Darlington said police didn’t really know who he was. He said a police officer asked him to leave and when he identified himself to the media, he was told: “There’s nothing you can do. He’s going to jail.”
Darlington said another officer then approached with a clipboard and asked if he knew the name of the person they had handcuffed.
Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Scheffler is coming off four victories in his last five tournaments. He has been at home in Dallas for the past three weeks, awaiting the birth of his first child, a son born May 8.
“I feel like my head is still spinning. I can’t really explain what happened this morning,” Scheffler said after remarkably posting another 5-under 66 on Friday that kept him in the mix for a second consecutive major championship. He is seeking to become only the fifth player since 1960 to win the first two majors of the year.
Last month, Scheffler earned his second Masters victory in three years, finishing 11 under and four strokes ahead of his closest competitors.