Jefferson County attorney drops charges against Scottie Scheffler after arrest at PGA Championship

At a press conference on Wednesday, Jefferson County attorney Mike O’Connell announced the district is dropping charges against Scottie Scheffler. The attorney noted that the charges could not move forward based on the “totality of the evidence” and also noted that Scheffler’s actions on that morning did not constitute criminality. When O’Connell set the time for the press conference, many speculated he would be dropping the five charges Scheffler faced after his arrest by Louisville Police outside of Valhalla Golf Club on May 17.

“My team and I began reviewing evidence as it came to us,” O’Connell said. “We continued to receive and review evidence that weekend and into the following week. We concluded interviews… and continued to work through the long Memorial Day weekend. My office conducted our work in a thorough and expeditious manner.”

“Detective Gillis was concerned for public safety at the scene when he initiated contact,” he added, “however, Mr. Scheffler’s actions and the evidence surrounding the exchange misunderstanding do not satisfy the evidence of any criminal offenses. For these reasons, Judge, I now tender to the court a motion of order to dismiss the charges against Mr. Scheffler with prejudice.”

The World No. 1 golfer and most recent Masters Tournament champion was charged with assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic after trying to turn into the PGA Championship course to begin prep for the second round. He allegedly defied the orders of the officer directing traffic, which somehow led to the officer suffering minor injuries.

The report filed by the officer, Bryan Gillis, on that morning details his side of the encounter.

“Detective Gillis was directing traffic into Gate 1 of the Valhalla Golf Course due to the road being closed in both directions from an earlier fatal collision,” the report reads. “Listed subject was driving eastbound to gain access to the course. Subject pulled into the westbound lanes, where outbound traffic was flowing and to avoid backed up traffic. Detective Gillis was in the middle of the westbound lanes, in full LMPD uniform and a bi-visibility yellow reflective rain jacket.

“Detective 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.”

Louisville Police release footage of Scheffler arrest

Louisville Metro Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel and Mayer Craig Greenberg released video footage of Scheffler’s arrest on Thursday during a press conference. The footage comes from a road pole outside of Valhalla Golf Club and from a police cruiser dash cam, not from a police body camera. The arresting officer did not have his body camera activated during the incident.

According to the department’s policy, officers must activate their cameras “prior to engaging in all law enforcement activities and encounters.” After the inquiry, the LMPD determined that Gillis violated the policy and as such, has received “corrective action.”

Scheffler’s local lawyer, Steve Romines, told reporters after the footage release that they have no intention of settling the case with the Louisville PD. Scheffler’s arraignment, previously scheduled for the Tuesday after the arrest, was pushed to June 3 two weeks ago.