Scottie Scheffler arrested: Latest news, updates as world No. 1 golfer detained by police at PGA Championship

Edward Sutelan

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Scottie Scheffler arrested: Latest news, updates as world No. 1 golfer detained by police at PGA Championship image

Scottie Scheffler, the world's No. 1 golfer, was arrested Friday morning while trying to drive to the Valhalla Golf Club for the second round of the 2024 PGA Championship.

Scheffler reportedly drove on a median to get around police who were on the scene for a fatal accident Friday morning in which a pedestrian had been struck and killed by a shuttle bus, according to ESPN.

The PGA Tour announced the start of the Championship would be delayed an hour and 20 minutes. The second round was set to begin at 7:15 a.m. ET, but now will begin at 8:35 a.m. ET. Scheffler's tee time was 8:48 a.m. ET.

A winner of four of his past five starts, Scheffler began the 2024 PGA Championship 4 under, which tied him for 12th.

Here's what you need to know about his arrest.

Scottie Scheffler arrested: Latest news, updates from PGA Championship

Scheffler was arrested early Friday morning after he reportedly drove on the median to get around police on the scene at the Valhalla Golf Club.

A pedestrian had reportedly tried to cross Shelbyville Rd. around 5 a.m. ET and was struck by a shuttle bus in the dedicated lane for buses, according to ESPN's report. The man reportedly died at the scene.

According to Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde, Scheffler was released on his own recognizance. The ESPN broadcast noted the City of Louisville is "incredibly responsive in trying to get this resolved today."

Scheffler arrived at the course around 9:12 a.m. ET, and did not respond to requests to comment by media awaiting his arrival. He reportedly only responded to ESPN's Marty Smith, telling the reporter, "I love you Marty." He then arrived at the course to begin practicing at 9:34 a.m. ET.

Scheffler issued the following statement, per ESPN's Jeff Darlington:

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.

Saturday morning, the day after Scheffler's arrest, Louisville mayor Craig Greenberg said there was no body camera footage of the arrest, but that a camera across the street has footage that will be released before long, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal. He said the city has yet to find any footage from the initial meeting between Scheffler and police.

Darlington reported Scheffler believed he was pulling around security officers rather than police officers. He was told by police to stop, and when Scheffler did not stop, the officer attached himself to Scheffler's car. Scheffler reportedly drove another 10 yards before stopping, and when he did, the officer grabbed at his arm and tried to pull him out of the car before Scheffler opened the door. 

When Scheffler opened up, the officer pulled the golfer out of his car, shoved him against the car and placed him in handcuffs. The officer then walked Scheffler over to a police car in handcuffs. As he was walked over, Scheffler reportedly looked at Darlington and said, "Please help me."

Per Darlington, police did not know Scheffler was a golfer at the tournament. Scheffler was reportedly driving a car labeled as a PGA Tour vehicle.

In a police report obtained by ESPN's Michael Eaves, Scheffler is alleged to have been stopped by a police detective and after receiving instructions, he "refused to comply and accelerated forward, dragging Detective Gillis to the ground." The detective reportedly "suffered pain, swelling, and abrasions to his left wrist and knee," and was taken to the hospital. His pants were "damaged beyond repair."

Weeks later, the LMPD released pictures of Gillis' ripped pants and "abrasions" to his left knee and wrist.

Scheffler's attorney, Steve Romines, addressed reporters after Scheffler arrived at the course and explained Scheffler was unaware traffic patterns had changed due to the accident. The attorney explained Scheffler had credentials and was allowed to go through, but he was unaware there had been a wreck that would have changed the process for reaching the course.

Asked if Scheffler ever disobeyed police, Romines said, "he did exactly as he was instructed to do."

PGA of America issued the following statements about the events that occurred with the pedestrian and Scheffler:

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. This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.

Our primary concern today remains with the family of John Mills, who lost his life in a tragic accident early this morning while reporting to work. As it relates to the incident involving Scotte Scheffler, we are fully cooperating as local authorities review what took place. While the legal processes plays out, questions should be directed to Scheffler's attorney or local authorities. 

The next step in the process is pretrial services, according to a Louisville defense attorney interviewed by Daniel Rapoport.

"Legally authorities must interview/assess the defendant within 24 hours of the arrest. Then the prosecutor’s office either recommends to pursue or not pursue the charges."

The prosecutor's office is not expected to pursue charges against Scheffler, per No Laying Up's Kevin Van Valkenburg.

However, the World No. 1 golfer's arraignment was rescheduled to June 3, per Yahoo Sports. As such, Scheffler may have to wait a bit longer for a resolution to the situation.

On Tuesday, May 21, the Louisville police released a statement saying the internal investigation into Scheffler's arrest is "still ongoing."

"Any policy violations that are revealed through the course of the investigation will be appropriately addressed according to LMPD's disciplinary protocol," the statement read. "The department attends to provide an additional update on the investigation on Thursday, May 23, 2024."

The Louisville police were true to their word. They announced Thursday that the officer who arrested Scheffler had violated the department's policy for body cameras by not turning his on during his interaction with the World No. 1 golfer.

As a result, there is "just pole footage of the arrest," per Brody Miller of The Athletic.

The arresting officer is receiving "corrective action" for his misstep. That said, the Louisville police are not dropping the charges against Scheffler and will instead "allow the courts [to] proceed accordingly."

Scheffler's attorney Steve Romines said the case will either be dismissed or go to trial.

"We have no interest in settling the case," he said, per The Athletic.

All those charges eventually were dropped on May 29. 

Scottie Scheffler arrest video

Darlington shared video of police making the arrest with one officer saying, "he's going to jail."

In the week after the PGA Championship concluded, the Louisville Police Department released footage of the arrest. 

Scottie Scheffler charges

The Kentucky Court of Justice listed the charges faced by Scheffler as second degree assault of a police officer, third degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic. The assault of a police officer is considered a Class C felony.

Scottie Scheffler mugshot

Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections records report Scheffler was booked at 7:28 a.m. ET on Friday.

This post will be updated.

Edward Sutelan

Edward Sutelan Photo

Edward Sutelan joined The Sporting News in 2021 after covering high school sports for PennLive. Edward graduated from The Ohio State University in 2019, where he gained experience covering the baseball, football and basketball teams. Edward also spent time working for The Columbus Dispatch and Cape Cod Times.