Charges against top golfer dropped

LOUISVILLE, KY. (NewsNation) — Charges were dropped against Scottie Scheffler 12 days after the world’s best golfer was arrested while trying to drive around the scene of a fatal accident on his way to the 2024 PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scheffler, who was not required to attend the hearing, was represented by his lawyer.

Jefferson County Prosecutor Mike O’Connell asked that the charges be dismissed with prejudice, which the judge and Scheffler’s defense attorney agreed.

“Mr. Scheffler’s description that it was a ‘big misunderstanding’ is supported by the evidence,” O’Connell said. “The evidence we reviewed supports the conclusion that (the officer who made the arrest) was concerned about public safety at the scene when he made contact with Mr. Scheffler. However, Mr. Scheffler’s actions and the evidence surrounding their exchange during this misunderstanding do not satisfy the elements. of any criminal offence.

Scheffler’s attorney, Steve Romines, said he and his team were prepared to take the case to court because “it’s obvious that Scottie did nothing wrong.”

“He was a victim here,” Romines said. While saying there are grounds for civil action, Romines said Scheffler wants “no part of it.”

What charges did Scheffler face?

Scheffler was arrested early on the morning of May 17 for allegedly injuring a Louisville Metropolitan Police officer with his car outside Valhalla Golf Club.

During the incident, Scheffler allegedly tried to drive around the scene of the crash that killed 69-year-old John Mills earlier that morning. He drove onto a central reservation with the incomprehension that he was being directed in that direction. The officer allegedly ordered Scheffler to stop, but Scheffler continued about 10 to 20 yards toward the club’s entrance, according to police.

The arresting officer, Detective Bryan Gillis, attempted to “hook up” on Scheffler’s car, prompting the golfer to stop his vehicle just before entering the golf club, the police said. police. The officer yelled at Scheffler to get out of the vehicle. In doing so, the police officer allegedly pushed Scheffler against his car and handcuffed him.

According to the police report, Gillis attempted to stop Scheffler but was allegedly “dragged” by the golfer’s vehicle and hospitalized. Romines, in a press conference, maintained that Gillis was not dragged.

“There are several eyewitnesses to the incident” as well as statements from the county attorney’s office that confirm it, Romines said.

Gillis received medical treatment for pain, swelling and abrasions to his left wrist and knee. The police report also stated that Gillis’ uniform pants, valued at approximately $80, were ‘damaged beyond repair.’ Conflicting reports claim the officer tied himself to Scheffler’s car in an attempt to stop him from moving forward.

O’Connell called the scene “confusing and chaotic” and mentioned that some officers had to be reassigned from official duties after the accident.

During the hearing, he urged people to pay their respects to Mills, who left behind a wife, four children and several grandchildren.

“I hope there will soon be more attention paid to Mr. Mills and his life well lived,” O’Connell said, adding that Mills’ family has asked people to make donations to the Bluegrass Center for Autism in his memory.

Arresting officer’s body camera was not on

Gillis did not activate his body camera at the time of Scheffler’s arrest, which LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel said was against department policy. She said Gillis was counseled by his supervisor for violating policy.

Last Thursday, LMPD released footage of the arrest that was captured by a fixed pole camera and a police car’s dashcam.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said at a news conference that, at the request of the local prosecutor handling the case, any additional video or evidence related to the case would not be released until after the conclusion of the case. judiciary process.

NewsNation investigative reporter Natasha Zouves and digital producers Taylor Delandro and Devan Markham And Jeff Arnold contributed to this report.