Scottie Scheffler, a 10-time PGA Tour winner, had the charges against him dismissed after being arrested just before the second round of the PGA Championship in Kentucky. Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell filed a motion to dismiss all charges after finding that the evidence supported Scheffler’s claim that it was a “misunderstanding.” The charges included felony assault over injuries a police officer sustained during the encounter on May 17. O’Connell stated that the evidence reviewed did not support moving forward with the prosecution of the charges against Scheffler, and the judge accepted the motion to dismiss with prejudice.
The incident occurred while police were investigating the death of a volunteer who was hit by a bus outside the golf course. According to an arrest report, Scheffler was driving a PGA courtesy car when an officer claimed he refused to comply and accelerated forward, causing the officer to be dragged to the ground. Scheffler described the situation as chaotic and a misunderstanding, expressing condolences to the volunteer’s family. Louisville Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel announced that the officer involved, Detective Bryan Gillis, received corrective action for failing to turn on his body camera during the incident, violating department protocols.
Following the dismissal of charges, LMPD released a statement respecting the County Attorney’s decision and the judicial process. They stated that previously unreleased videos and documents related to the investigation and case would now be released. The department reiterated its focus on serving the city of Louisville and addressing violent crime. Scheffler, in a statement after the incident, mentioned that he could not comment on specific details but expressed confidence that his situation would be handled appropriately.
The prosecutor’s investigation found that the evidence supported Scheffler’s characterization of the incident as a misunderstanding. O’Connell stated that the evidence did not meet the elements of any criminal offenses, leading to the decision to dismiss the charges. The judge accepted the motion to dismiss with prejudice, effectively ending the legal proceedings against Scheffler in this case. The incident took place during a chaotic situation with traffic being directed by law enforcement at the golf course, and the specific details of the encounter between Scheffler and the officer have not been publicly disclosed.
The dismissal of charges against Scheffler came nearly two weeks after his arrest at the PGA Championship. The prosecutor’s office reviewed the evidence and found that it supported Scheffler’s claim of a misunderstanding, leading to the decision not to move forward with the prosecution. LMPD released a statement respecting the decision and indicating that additional materials related to the investigation would be made public. The department emphasized its commitment to serving the city and addressing violent crime, while Scheffler expressed confidence in the handling of his situation. The internal investigation into the officer’s actions and the failure to turn on his body camera resulted in corrective action being taken.
