Scottie Scheffler released a statement after being arrested and charged with four counts following his arrest by Louisville police Friday morning while trying to enter Valhalla Golf Club for the second round of the PGA Championship.
The world’s number 1 golfer was trying to get around the scene of an accident in the median of a road. Police attempted to eliminate an accident fatality when Scheffler’s marked vehicle attempted to avoid traffic. An officer instructed Scheffler to stop, but Scheffler drove another 20 meters before stopping.
Scheffler was handcuffed and taken into custody, where he was released on his own recognizance. He was charged with second-degree assault on a police officer (a Class C felony), third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals of a police officer directing traffic, which are misdemeanors.
Here is the statement Scheffler provided to ESPN.com:
“This morning, I was proceeding as instructed by the police officers. It was a very chaotic situation, which is understandable considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a huge misunderstanding about what I thought I was being asked to do. I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hoping to put that aside and focus on golf today.
“Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest condolences to the family of the man who died in this morning’s accident. It really puts everything into perspective.”
Contributing: Estes Gentry, Tom Schad
This article originally appeared in USA TODAY: Scottie Scheffler releases statement after Friday morning arrest
