World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler says he was “shocked” and “in shock” after being arrested and charged by police this morning.
The 27-year-old reportedly tried to navigate a traffic jam caused by a fatal crash near Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville. Kentucky, around 6am local time (11am UK time) on Friday.
He is due in court Tuesday after being charged with second-degree assault on a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and ignoring signals from officers directing traffic.
Scheffler was released at 8:40am local time (1:40pm UK time) this morning and allowed to return to the golf course to play his second round of the PGA Championship, where he is currently two strokes off the lead.
Scheffler told reporters after his round: “It was a chaotic situation and a big misunderstanding. My head is still spinning.
“I spent some time warming up in a jail cell, which was a first for me.
“I was pretty nervous, to say the least… I was never angry, I was just in shock. I was shaking for about an hour.
“Coming out here and trying to play today was definitely a challenge, but I did my best to control my mind and control my breathing… I’m just trying to play golf.
“I knew there were going to be a lot of distractions… but to be honest, it was great to have the fans behind me. I felt like they were really happy to have me here competing today.”
Police previously released a mugshot taken of Scheffler while wearing an orange jail-issued jumpsuit.
The fatal accident occurred this morning when a bus struck and killed a man as he crossed the street near the front gate of Valhalla Golf Club.
Scottie Scheffler plays hours after being detained and handcuffed. Photo: AP
Tournament officials said they were “devastated” by the death of local man John Mills, who worked for a vendor in Valhalla.
Scheffler, who was not involved in the crash, was allegedly attempting to drive around the crash site when he failed to stop for a police officer.
An officer then reportedly seized Scheffler’s car.
The golfer drove 10 to 20 yards before stopping his vehicle at the entrance to Valhalla, according to ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, who was at the scene.
Darlington continues: “At that point the police officer ordered Scheffler to get out of the car.
“He rolled down the window, the officer grabbed his arm and started pulling him. He reached inside, opened the car door, pulled Scheffler out, pushed him against the car and immediately handcuffed him.”
According to the police report, a detective stopped Scheffler’s car and “attempted to give him instructions.”
The report continued: “The subject refused to comply and accelerated forward, dragging Detective Gillis to the ground. Detective Gillis suffered pain, swelling and abrasions to his left wrist and knees.
“Emergency medical personnel transported him to the hospital for further medical treatment. Detective Gillis’ uniform pants, valued at approximately $80, were damaged beyond repair.”
Scottie Scheffler received a roar of support when he teed off in the second round. Photo: AP
In a statement, Scheffler’s attorney, Steve Romines, said the player was proceeding as directed by a traffic officer and allegedly ignored another officer’s signals “in confusion.”
“Multiple witnesses have confirmed that he did nothing wrong but simply proceeded as instructed,” the statement added.
“He stopped immediately when directed and at no time did he assault any officer with his vehicle. We will litigate this matter as necessary.”
Speaking after a second round that left him within two strokes of the clubhouse lead held by Collin Morikawa, Scheffler expressed his condolences to Mr. Mills’ family.
“I can’t imagine what they’re going through this morning,” Scheffler said.
“My situation will be handled… I can’t explain what happened… my heart goes out to the family.”
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
