Scheffler keen to ‘move on’ after all police charges dropped
Scottie Scheffler says he wants to “move on” after all charges against the world number one following his arrest at the US PGA Championship earlier this month were dropped.
The American was arrested by police officer Bryan Gillis outside Valhalla Golf Club hours before his second round on the morning of 17 May after trying to drive into the club in heavy traffic.
Scheffler had been charged with second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer.
After reviewing the evidence, Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell said Scheffler’s actions did not “satisfy the elements of any criminal offence” and “corroborated” Scheffler’s assertation that the incident was a “big misunderstanding”.
Writing on Instagram, Scheffler said: “As I stated previously, this was an unfortunate misunderstanding.
“I hold no ill will towards officer Gillis. I wish to put this incident behind me and move on, and I hope he will do the same. Police officers have a difficult job and I hold them in high regard.
“This was a severe miscommunication in a chaotic situation.”
Scheffler’s attorney Steve Romines said the 27-year-old would not be filing a civil lawsuit and wanted to focus on his golfing career.
“We are pleased the case was dismissed today,” Romines told reporters.
In a statement, Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) said it “respected” the County Attorney’s decision and the judicial process.
LMPD added that videos and documents, previously unreleased because of legal proceedings, will be made available “after appropriate redactions are made”.
I warmed up by stretching in a jail cell – Scheffler17 May 2024
Schauffele wins first major at US PGA Championship20 May 2024
Officer who arrested Scheffler is disciplined23 May 2024
Play at the year’s second major was delayed by 80 minutes because a shuttle bus had struck and killed a pedestrian, later named as John Mills, outside the golf club.
Scheffler, who was not involved in the accident, reportedly attempted to avoid the scene before being stopped by officer Gillis.
Videos of the scene outside the course in Louisville, Kentucky, showed Scheffler handcuffed and being guided into the back of a police car.
“The evidence we reviewed supports the conclusion that detective Gillis was concerned for public safety at the scene when he initiated contact with Mr Scheffler,” said O’Connell.
Gillis was later disciplined for not activating his body-worn camera during the incident.
Scheffler was released and returned to the course in time for his second round. The American went on to finish the tournament tied for eighth.