Scottie Scheffler was arrested earlier this month in a stunning turn of events before the second round of the PGA Championship, but the World No. 1 golfer is no longer facing charges.
The Jefferson County Attorney’s Office in Kentucky announced on Wednesday that the four charges against Scheffler stemming from the PGA Tour star’s May 17 arrest have been dropped. Jefferson County attorney Mike O’Connell said Scheffler’s “characterization that this was a ‘big misunderstanding’ is corroborated by the evidence.”
“The evidence we reviewed supports the conclusion that detective (Brian) Gillis was concerned for public safety at the scene when he initiated contact with Mr. Scheffler,” O’Connell told the court. “However, Mr. Scheffler’s actions and the evidence surrounding their exchange during this misunderstanding do not satisfy the elements of any criminal offenses.”
BREAKING: Jefferson Co. Attorney Mike O'Connell requests that all charges be dropped against Scottie Scheffler. He says, "Mr. Scheffler's characterization that this was a big misunderstanding is corroborated by the evidence." Here's the moment from just minutes ago: @wave3news pic.twitter.com/NeEwF483eA
— Ward Jolles (@wardjolles) May 29, 2024
As part of a deal to dismiss the charges, both sides agreed not to pursue any legal action against one another.
Scheffler was arrested on May 17 outside of Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. Police were redirecting traffic after a pedestrian was struck by a passenger shuttle and killed. Scheffler was unaware of what had happened and was trying to enter the golf club despite being redirected by police. He ended up allegedly dragging a police officer who was hanging on to the golfer’s car.
Scheffler had been charged with reckless driving, criminal mischief, and second degree assault of a police officer, which is a felony.
Scheffler attributed the incident to a misunderstanding, saying he was unaware of the accident and was following instructions he had been previously given in order to enter the course.
The Louisville Metro Police Department said last week that Gillis, the arresting officer, did not have his body-worn camera turned on during the incident, which was a violation of protocol. Police were still able to obtain some footage from the scene, though it did not appear to show Scheffler dragging an officer or ignoring orders.
A video that surfaced later showed Scheffler speaking with another officer at the scene. Scheffler seemed to admit during that exchange that he did not stop or follow Gillis’ initial orders, but he said he did not know Gillis was a police officer. You can see that clip here.
