As we reported on May 17, Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer, was arrested by Louisville police as he tried to drive through the entrance of Valhalla Golf Club, the site of the 2024 PGA Championship.
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Scheffler was later charged with second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic. The assault charge was a felony; the others were misdemeanors.
According to the arrest report, Scheffler was driving a credentialed PGA courtesy car when an officer said he “refused to comply and accelerated forward, dragging” the officer to the ground. Said Scheffler, later:
It was a chaotic situation and a big misunderstanding. I can’t comment on any of the specifics of it, so I feel like y’all are going to be disappointed, but I can’t comment on any specifics, but my situation will be handled.
The situation was handled indeed. On Wednesday, all charges were dismissed.
Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell filed a motion with the court to have all charges against the two-time major winner dismissed after finding that evidence in the prosecutor’s investigation corroborated Scheffler’s claim.
“Based upon the totality of the evidence,” O’Connell told the court , “my office cannot move forward in the prosecution of the charges filed against Mr. Scheffler. Mr. Scheffler’s characterization that this was ‘a big misunderstanding’ is corroborated by the evidence.”
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The evidence we reviewed supports the conclusion that Detective Bryan Gillis was concerned for public safety at the scene when he initiated contact with Mr. Scheffler. However, Mr. Scheffler’s actions and the evidence surrounding their exchange and during this misunderstanding do not satisfy the elements of any criminal offenses.
The judge accepted O’Connell’s motion to dismiss the charges with prejudice.
Shortly after the charges were dropped, Scheffler released an emotional statement that was pure class.
Earlier today, I was informed by my attorney, Steve Romines, that all charges were formally dismissed in regard to the incident outside of Valhalla Golf Club on May 17.
As I stated previously, this was an unfortunate misunderstanding. I hold no ill will toward 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.
I appreciate the support during the past two weeks and want to again encourage everyone to remember the real tragedy of May 17. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with John Mills and his family, and I hope to personally offer my condolences now that the case is over. Thank you, Scottie.
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Again, nothing but class.
I have to admit that I read Scheffler’s statement three times. “How rare,” I thought, “in today’s world.” No countercharges, no threat to sue, no hard feelings. The world’s top-rated golfer even spoke kindly of the arresting officer and said his thoughts and prayers continue to be with the volunteer who was killed and his family.
Who does that? Scottie Scheffer does. What a world it would be if more of us did, as well.
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