UPDATE: Scottie Scheffler cuffed, taken to jail before PGA Championship, charges outlined in arrest citation
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – In a surprising turn of events, the world’s number one golfer, Scottie Scheffler, found himself in a legal tangle Friday morning, just hours before the commencement of the second round of the 2024 PGA Championship in Kentucky.
Scheffler was detained and subsequently arrested on charges including assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic.
The incident occurred around 5 AM when Louisville police responded to a fatal accident in the 15,000 block of Shelbyville Road. A man was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus, resulting in a traffic jam near the Valhalla Golf Club, where the championship was underway.
According to the Louisville Metro Police report, the arrest took place at approximately 6:20 AM on Shelbyville Road (Valhalla Gate 1). Detective Bryan Gillis was directing traffic in the area due to that road closure. Scheffler, allegedly ignored Detective Gillis’ instructions and attempted to drive through the closed gate, and, according to Gillis, causing a dangerous situation for other vehicles and pedestrians.
During the confrontation, Detective Gillis sustained minor injuries and damage to his uniform. He was subsequently taken to a local hospital for further medical evaluation
Scheffler’s charges include:
- Assault, 2nd Degree – Police Officer
- Criminal Mischief, 3rd Degree
- Reckless Driving
- Disregarding Signals from Officers Directing Traffic
The mugshot of Scheffler was released shortly after the incident.
Scheffler later sent this statement through the PGA:
“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. 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.”
Scheffler was released on his own recognizance and made it back to Valhalla in time to tee off for his Friday round.
His attorney, Steve Romines in Louisville, also described it as a misunderstanding and told The Associated Press, “We will litigate the case as it goes.”
Louisville mayor Craig Greenberg said tournament vendor John Mills was the pedestrian killed and offered sympathies to his family. Greenberg also said the incident involving Scheffler and LMPD was “unfortunate” and that the police department was investigating.
Traffic was backed up for about a mile in both directions on the only road that leads to Valhalla in the morning darkness with light rain, with dozens of police vehicles flashing red-and-blue lights near the entrance.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
