LOUISVILLE, Ky. Criminal charges against Scottie Scheffler were dismissed, ending a legal saga that began with footage of the world’s best golfer being arrested and handcuffed in Louisville during the PGA Championship.
Jefferson County Prosecutor Mike O’Connell asked a judge Wednesday afternoon to drop the four charges against Scheffler, who was not required to appear in court. The prosecutor said his team analyzed the case “thoroughly and quickly.”
“Based on the totality of the evidence, my office cannot move forward in prosecuting the charges filed against Mr. Scheffler,” O’Connell said during the hearing that lasted less than 10 minutes. Scheffler’s characterization that this was ‘a big misunderstanding’ is supported by the evidence.”
Scheffler was charged with a felony for striking a police officer with his vehicle, as well as three misdemeanors. The arresting officer, Detective Bryan Gillis, was outside the gate at Valhalla Golf Course on May 17, directing traffic after the death of a pedestrian when he encountered Scheffler.
The prosecutor said the findings of his office’s review of the case led him to request the charges be dismissed.
“The evidence we reviewed supports the conclusion that Detective Gillis was concerned about public safety at the scene when he initiated contact with Mr. Scheffler,” O’Connell said. “However, Mr. Scheffler’s actions and the evidence surrounding their exchange during this misunderstanding do not meet the elements of any crimes.”
Scheffler’s attorney, Steve Romines, was asked if he wanted to comment. Romines responded: “Judge, it took me a long time to understand that when I’m winning, don’t talk. So I have nothing to say, your honor.
The judge then accepted the resignation.
Scheffler, 27, was driving a PGA courtesy vehicle when Gillis said he “refused to comply and accelerated, dragging” Gillis to the ground. Gillis said his uniform pants were damaged in the fall and he was taken to the hospital for his injuries.
Surveillance video released by Louisville police last week showed Gillis pursuing Scheffler’s vehicle on foot and blocking him from entering the route. Scheffler is later removed from the car and handcuffed. But the video did not show Gillis’ first contact with Scheffler, authorities said.
Gillis was disciplined for failing to activate his body-worn camera during the arrest. In a report on that failure, Gillis wrote that Scheffler “demanded permission to enter” the golf course.
Scheffler said he simply misunderstood commands coming from traffic officers.
The famous golfer spent a brief period in a cell and then returned to the course for the second round. He finished the tournament tied for eighth place.
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Associated Press writer Bruce Schreiner contributed to this report.
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