Police officer at Scottie Scheffler’ arrest charged with theft, misconduct

An arrest was made on Friday involving a Louisville police officer who was present during the arrest of Scottie Scheffler.

Officer Javar Downs has been charged with official misconduct and theft by unlawful taking $1,000 or greater after allegedly pocketing $4,000 from a suspect during the booking process, as reported by Wave 3 News.

Angela Ingram, the communications director for the Louisville police, stated that Downs has been placed on emergency suspension and the department is working towards terminating his employment.

“Allegations of officer malfeasance are taken very seriously. LMPD prioritizes accountability and remains committed to conducting thorough and expedient investigations in the best interests of all parties involved,” Ingram told the Louisville Courier-Journal.

An investigation was initiated based on a civilian complaint, according to Ingram.

Scheffler’s arrest prior to the PGA Championship at Valhalla in May was due to a miscommunication following a fatal accident involving a shuttle bus and a pedestrian at the tournament.

His charges were later dismissed.

“I wish to put this incident behind me and move on, and I hope he will do the same. Police officers have a difficult job and I hold them in high regard. This was a severe miscommunication in a chaotic situation,” Scheffler expressed in a statement following the dropped charges.

Following his release from jail, Scheffler managed to make his tee time and performed remarkably well in the tournament.

As one of the officers present during the arrest, Downs acknowledged failing to activate his body camera as per department protocol.