The police department announced that the officer who arrested professional golfer Scottie Scheffler failed to turn on his body camera during the incident, violating department policy.
Chief of police, Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel, stated during a press conference that Detective Bryan Gillis did not have his body-worn camera operational as required.
Scheffler, a two-time Masters champion, was arrested while on his way to participate in the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville. The arrest occurred as police were redirecting traffic due to a nearby fatal accident.
According to a police incident report, Scheffler allegedly refused to comply with police directions and accelerated his SUV, causing the detective to be dragged to the ground. The report indicated that Detective Gillis suffered injuries to his wrist and knee.
Following his arrest, Scheffler was charged with felony assault but was released from jail to compete in the tournament, where he finished in eighth place and received a $520,000 payout.
Despite the charges, Scheffler’s attorney, Steve Romines, maintains his client’s innocence and expressed no desire to settle the case. Romines stated that they are prepared to litigate the case if necessary.
Greenberg mentioned that the local prosecutor handling the case has requested not to release any additional video or evidence until the legal process is concluded.
Scheffler faces charges of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic. His arraignment is scheduled for June 3.
