Photo: Louisville Police Department
The Louisville Police Department officer who arrested World No. 1 golfer and 2024 Masters champion Scottie Scheffler for an incident that took place outside the PGA Championship tournament committed a "policy violation" by not activating his body cam, Louisville Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel revealed during a press conference on Thursday (May 23) via WDRB News.
“Detective Gillis did have an encounter with Scottie Scheffler. Det. Gillis should have turned on his body cam, but did not… Detective Gillis was counseled by his supervisor,” Gwinn-Villaroel said, adding that "corrective action" was taken against Gillis in relation to the incident.
Gwinn-Villaroel's statement came after Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg had previously confirmed that there was no body cam footage of Scheffler's arrest. The police chief also confirmed that charges against Scheffler were still pending, despite a previous report by No Laying Up editorial director Kevin Van Valkenburg that they were expected to be dropped.
Scheffler's arraignment, which was initially scheduled to be held on Tuesday (May 21), has been delayed until June 3, his attorney, Steve Romines, confirmed to ESPN on Monday (May 20). Romines also confirmed a not guilty plea will be entered at the delayed arraignment in Louisville, though Scheffler will not be acquired to attend. The attorney said a conflict in his schedule was the reason for the date change.
Scheffler was arrested early Friday (May 17) morning outside the entrance of Valhalla Golf Club and charged with second-degree assault of a police officer (felony), third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.
A Louisville Police Department arrest report accused the recent two-time Masters champion of refusing "to comply and accelerated forward" while "dragging" a police officer "to the ground" and causing injuries."
Scheffler was arrested early Friday (May 17) morning outside the entrance of Valhalla Golf Club and charged with second-degree assault of a police officer (felony), third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.
A Louisville Police Department arrest report accused the recent two-time Masters champion of refusing "to comply and accelerated forward" while "dragging" a police officer "to the ground" and causing injuries."
"Detective Gillis was directing traffic into Gate 1 of the Valhalla Golf Course due to the road being closed in both directions from an earlier fatal collision," the police report states. "Listed subject was driving eastbound to gain access to the course. Subject pulled into the westbound lanes, where outbound traffic was flowing and to avoid backed up traffic.
"Detective Gillis was in the middle of the westbound lanes, in full LMPD uniform and a hi-visibility yellow reflective rain jacket. Detective Gillis stopped subject and attempted to give instructions. Subject refused to comply and accelerated forward, dragging Detective Gillis to the ground. Detective Gillis suffered pain, swelling, and abrasions to his left wrist and knee. He was transported to the hospital for further medical treatment by emergency medical personnel.
"Detective Gillis' uniform pants, valued at approximately $80 were damaged beyond repair."
Scheffler issued a statement to ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, who witnessed and initially reported his arrest, before beginning his second round Friday morning.
“This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers. It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do," Scheffler said via ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, who witnessed and initially reported his arrest. "I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today. “Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest sympathies to the family of the man who passed away in the earlier accident this morning. It truly puts everything in perspective.”
Police instructed Scheffler to stop, however, he reportedly continued driving for about 10 to 20 yards toward the entrance, Darlington had previously reported.
The man killed in the initial incident was attempting to cross Shelbyville Road outside Valhalla Golf Club when he was struck in a dedicated lane of buses and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police and first responders were still present at the scene at around 6:45 a.m. ET, at which point traffic was backed up on the roadway in dark and wet conditions as shuttle buses carrying fans to the course were stopped.
Scheffler finished the PGA Championship tournament at 13-under, tied for eighth, and shot 66 on the day of his arrest. The World No. 1 golfer is less than a month removed from winning his second Masters Tournament and recently became a father for the first time.