LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler is back at Valhalla Golf Club and has released a statement following his arrest Friday morning.
According to an arrest citation, police were directing traffic into Gate 1 of Valhalla due to the road closures from an early morning crash that left one man dead. The crash happened around 5 a.m. near Valhalla Golf Club on Shelbyville Road. A man, who officials with PGA of America said was a worker with one of their vendors, had tried to cross Shelbyville Road when he was hit by a shuttle bus.
“This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club,” said PGA of America. “This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
Scheffler was not involved in that crash. Police said Scheffler was driving eastbound to get into the course. Scheffler pulled into the westbound lanes, where traffic was flowing outward. The citation said a Louisville Metro detective in his uniform and reflective rain gear stopped Scheffler to give him instructions.
The citation said Scheffler “refused to comply” and drove off, dragging the detective to the ground. A source told WAVE News the detective needed to get treated for minor injuries after being dragged about 10 to 15 yards by the vehicle during this incident.
Scheffler was booked at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections (LMDC) after being arrested for the following charges:
- Second-degree assault of a police officer (Felony)
- Third-degree criminal mischief (Misdemeanor)
- Reckless driving (Violation)
- Disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic (Misdemeanor)
ESPN NFL Reporter Jeff Darlington shared a video of Scheffler’s arrest to social media.
He was released on personal recognizance by Judge Sarah Nicholson before 9 a.m.
According to a PGA announcement, play of Round 2 rescheduled to 8:35 a.m. and all Round 2 starting tee times were delayed one hour and 20 minutes from the originally published time. ESPN reported that Scheffler arrived back at Valhalla Golf Club by 9:12 a.m. His tee time was scheduled for 10:08 a.m.
Video of car driving away from LMDC with Scheffler inside. The garage it pulled out from has two doors, front and back. A group of reporters were standing in the front. The car, unsurprisingly, left from the back @wave3news pic.twitter.com/nj5zn2JWV7
— Sean Baute (@seanbaute) May 17, 2024
Scheffler later posted to his Instagram story with a statement giving his perspective on what happened Friday morning.
“This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers. It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do. I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today. Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest sympathies to the family of the man who passed away in the earlier accident this morning. It truly puts everything in perspective.”
This is a developing story.
Copyright 2024 WAVE. All rights reserved.
