Louisville mayor and police chief to address Scottie Scheffler arrest situation, showing video of release
Louisville's Mayor, Craig Greenberg, and Police Chief, Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel, are set to hold a 10:30 a.m. press conference to release the results of the internal investigation into Scheffler's arrest.
Higher-ups in the Louisville Police Department have privately expressed concerns that the felony charge against Scheffler is too severe, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
The news conference takes place a week after Scheffler was taken into custody, charged with felony assault, released, and able to play in the PGA Championship, one of golf's four major tournaments.
Scheffler, aged 27, was en route to Valhalla Golf Club for the second round of the tournament around 6:00 a.m. when he came across the site of a fatal accident. He supposedly wounded a police officer who was providing traffic direction and was apprehended, according to the authorities.
The golfer, with a pristine reputation as a new dad, was charged with felony second-degree assault on a police officer, accompanied by lesser charges of third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals from officers guiding traffic, according to Jefferson County court records.
Scheffler had his mugshot taken and was then detained in a jail cell before being let go and making it to his tee time at the golf club. He then carded a 5-under, earning a tie for 8th place in the tournament.
His lawyer plans to enter a not guilty plea to the allegations. Scheffler described the event as a "big misunderstanding" amidst a "chaotic situation."
"I'm still a bit overwhelmed. I can't fully explain what transpired this morning. I did get some time to stretch out in a holding cell. That's a first for me," Scheffler said last Friday. "I managed to get back out and play some golf today."
Scheffler's arraignment was initially scheduled for Tuesday but has been postponed to June due to his lawyer's scheduling issues.
Scheffler is planned to play in the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas this evening.
Greenberg stated on Tuesday that the police were examining whether the arresting officer, Detective Bryan Gillis, adhered to department guidelines during the occurrence. Gillis' body camera was not activated during the apprehension.
"I believe that's crucial that we do that, not just in high-profile situations such as the one that took place on Friday, but constantly," Greenberg said. "If protocols are not being observed, there will be openness about it. There will be consequences."
What We Know about the Arrest
It's unclear if there is recorded footage of the first interaction between Scheffler and the police.
A Louisville Metro Police report claimed Scheffler was striving to gain admission to the golf course when he encountered an officer in a full police uniform and a yellow reflective raincoat. The officer, identified as Gillis, ordered Scheffler and "tried to give instructions."
"Subject refused to comply and accelerated forward, dragging Detective Gillis to the ground," according to the report.
The detective sustained pain, swelling, and scratches on his left wrist and knee and was transported to the hospital for further therapy, the report demonstrates. His uniform pants, valued at approximately $80, "were destroyed beyond repair," the report notes.
Scheffler's attorney, Steven Romines, said his client was heading to the golf course early to prepare to play.
"Due to the combination of event traffic and a traffic fatality in the area, it was a very tempestuous situation. He was adhering to directions from another traffic officer and was driving a noted player's automobile with credentials visible," Romines stated in a declaration, referring to Scheffler. "In the pandemonium, Scottie is alleged to have disregarded a distinctive officer's traffic signals resulting in these charges."
Many bystanders have affirmed Scheffler "performed nothing wrong" but followed instructions, according to Romines.
"He halted promptly upon being directed to and never at any point assaulted any officer with his vehicle," the statement reads. "We will contest not guilty and obtain legal recourse as needed."
ESPN's Jeff Darlington witnessed the confrontation. When Scheffler arrived in a noted player courtesy vehicle, he attempted to drive around the accident site on a median, as per ESPN. Darlington wrote on social media that Scheffler "carried on about 10 to 20 yards towards the entrance" before halting.
"The police officer endeavored to connect himself to Scheffler's vehicle, and Scheffler then halted his vehicle at the entrance to Valhalla," Darlington penned on X. "The police officer then started shouting at Scheffler to get out of the car. When Scheffler exited the vehicle, the officer pushed Scheffler against the vehicle and immediately handcuffed him."
Cops led a handcuffed Scheffler into a police car, Darlington's video revealed.
"Right now he's headed to jail," an officer at the scene rhetorically asked in the video.
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The mayor and police chief will discuss the internal investigation results and the release of Scottie Scheffler during their press conference, as they are both concerned US citizens involved in the situation.
In light of the ongoing investigation, the Louisville Police Department is reviewing whether the arresting officer followed department guidelines, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring justice for all US citizens, including high-profile individuals like Scottie Scheffler.
Source: edition.cnn.com
