Scheffler freed of charges arising from Louisville arrest
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[May 30, 2024]
By Frank Pingue
(Reuters) -Charges against world number one golfer Scottie Scheffler
stemming from his arrest before the second round of the PGA
Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, two weeks ago were dropped on
Wednesday.
Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell told the court there was
not enough evidence to move forward with the case against Scheffler,
who was charged on May 17 with four counts, including felony
second-degree assault on a police officer.
"Mr. Scheffler's characterization that this was a 'big
misunderstanding' is corroborated by the evidence," O'Connell told
the court.
"Mr. Scheffler's actions and the evidence surrounding their exchange
during this misunderstanding do not satisfy the elements of any
criminal offenses."
The charges were dropped with prejudice, meaning they cannot be
refiled.
The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) said in a statement it
respected the decision, adding that videos and documents previously
unreleased due to the judicial process would be made available after
appropriate redactions had been made.
Scheffler was arrested for allegedly attempting to drive around
traffic that was backed up due to a pedestrian fatality
investigation outside Valhalla Golf Club. He was released from jail
in time to compete in the tournament.
According to the police report, officer Bryan Gillis stopped
Scheffler's vehicle and attempted to give him instructions but the
golfer "refused to comply and accelerated forward, dragging" the
officer to the ground.
Last week, the LMPD said they had taken "corrective action" against
Gillis for not activating his body-worn camera during the incident.
Scheffler, who had also been charged with third-degree criminal
mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an
officer directing traffic, said in a statement he was happy to put
the incident behind him.
"As I stated previously, this was an unfortunate misunderstanding,"
said Scheffler. "I hold no ill will toward Officer Gillis. I wish to
put this incident behind me and move on, and I hope he will do the
same.
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![](../images/053024PIX/sports17.jpg)
May 26, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee
shot on #9 during the final round of the Charles Schwab Challenge
golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports/File
Photo
![](../images/ads/current/graue_lda_4_2021.png)
"Police officers have a difficult job and I hold
them in high regard. This was a severe miscommunication in a chaotic
situation."
Attorney Steve Romines said Scheffler was unaware
at the time that a fatality had occurred and was directed, as other
players were, on how to proceed into Valhalla.
Romines also said Scheffler, who is in the midst of a remarkable
season of golf, would not be filing a civil lawsuit and wanted to
focus on his career rather than get distracted by litigation.
"He's happy it's over, he wants to move on," Romines told reporters.
"He has no desire to a) be involved in litigation and b) try to
recover money from the taxpayers of Louisville."
Scheffler arrived at Valhalla that week as the pre-tournament
favourite and seeking a fifth win in six starts and a second
consecutive major title. He ultimately finished eight shots behind
the winner and in a share of eighth place.
Scheffler is scheduled to return to action at next week's Memorial
Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, before heading to the year's third
major, the June 13-16 U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort in North
Carolina.
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Additional reporting by
Brendan O'Brien in Chicago; Editing by Clare Fallon)
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