'A big misunderstanding': Scottie Scheffler detained by police after 'very chaotic situation'
Scottie Scheffler was officially booked at 7:28 a.m after being detained by police.
The 106th PGA Championship took a dark turn on Friday when a pedestrian was hit by a shuttle bus and killed outside the gate of Valhalla Golf Club and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was arrested and jailed for ignoring a police officer’s order and trying to maneuver around the scene and into the golf course.
Scheffler was handcuffed and taken to Jefferson County Jail to be booked, initially charged with felony second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic. Scheffler was released on his own recognisance in time to get back to the golf course and teed off at 10:08 am, his scheduled tee time after play was suspended for one hour, 20 minutes due to the traffic jam outside the course.
Scheffler released a statement before playing the second round, calling the incident a “misunderstanding.”
“This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers,” the statement on PGATour.com said. “It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do. I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today. Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest sympathies to the family of the man who passed away in the earlier accident this morning. It truly puts everything in perspective.” Scheffler nearly holed out for eagle for his second straight day on his opening hole and made birdie on the par-5 10th. He gave it immediately back with a bogey after a missed 5-footer on 11 only to birdie the 12th as he aimed to extend his streak of 41 consecutive rounds under par on a rainy morning at Valhalla.
The PGA of America released a statement regarding the tragic accident before dawn on the heavily trafficked road where the only access in and out of the club is via the main entrance.
“This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club,” the PGA of America said in a statement. “This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
ESPN television reporter Jeff Darlington witnessed the entire seen at 6:15 am, seeing Scheffler try to move slowly around the scene to get into the club and said a police officer “attached himself” to Scheffler’s car which continued for “10 to 15 yards” with the policeman on the vehicle. He reported that Scheffler was then forced out of his marked courtesy car, pressed against the vehicle and handcuffed.
Darlington posted a video of Scheffler being led away in handcuffs and claimed the player asked him “can you help me?” Another police officer told Darlington on camera, “he’s going to jail and there ain’t nothing you can do about it.”
The arrest report stated: “Detective [Bryan] Gillis stopped subject and attempted to give instructions. 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 knee. He was transported to the hospital for further medical treatment by emergency medical personnel. Detective Gillis’ uniform pants, valued at approximately $80 were damaged beyond repair.”
Scheffler was released without bond and will face a court arraignment in Louisville on Tuesday, May 21.
Reporters on another shuttle bus navigating through the traffic videotaped PGA participants Cameron Young and Will Zalatoris walking across and down the street to the course from their nearby rental home.
