This is a developing story that will be updated throughout the day.
Scottie Scheffler begin his second round at the 2024 PGA Championship after being arrested and released earlier Friday morning by Louisville Metro Police at Valhalla Golf Club.
The World No. 1 golfer was charged with second-degree assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.
UPDATE | From an LMPD Source: Scheffler refused to stop when ordered to do so by a police officer. He continued to drive and "dragged the officer with his car for a short time, which is why he was detained." The officer has minor injuries https://t.co/J1NmbIR7jF
— Eric Crawford (@ericcrawford) May 17, 2024
At around 6 a.m., Scheffler, according to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, attempted to drive past a police officer, presumably to enter the golf course and prepare for his second round. Entry to the course had been halted due to a traffic issue stemming from an accident outside the club unrelated to Scheffler in which a shuttle bus hit and killed a pedestrian early Friday morning. The officer, apparently in an attempt to stop Scheffler from proceeding, attempted to attach himself to Scheffler’s car, followed by the officer telling Scheffler to get out of the vehicle. Scheffler was driving a marked player-courtesy vehicle.
According to local news reporter Eric Crawford, Scheffler’s detainment stemmed from continuing to drive when asked to stop, and his car then “dragged” the officer, who left with minor injuries.
Here is video that I took of Scheffler being arrested: https://t.co/8UPZKvPCCf pic.twitter.com/9Tbp2tyrJh
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) May 17, 2024
When Scheffler exited his car the officer shoved Scheffler, placed him in handcuffs and put him in the back of a police cruiser. ESPN video confirmed Darlington’s report.
Scheffler allegedly pleaded for help to an ESPN crew standing nearby. When Darlington attempted to intervene, the police officer responded, according to Darlington, “There’s nothing you can do, he’s going to jail.”
The Scottie Scheffler arrest incident seems to be a complete misunderstanding, #FreeScottie pic.twitter.com/0zW7CY81t3
— Niall McGrath (@niallmcgrath4) May 17, 2024
Darlington added police officers had no idea who Scheffler was.
Scheffler was booked Louisville Metro Police at roughly 7:28 a.m., when the charges were officially filed. He was then released by police at 8:40 a.m. and proceeded to Valhalla Golf Club in an effort to make his 10:08 a.m. tee time.
Scheffler arrived at the course at 9:12, warmed up on the range and teed off along with Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark.
Scottie Scheffler's statement prior to Round 2 @PGAChampionship. pic.twitter.com/x26RFOqCIa
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 17, 2024
Scheffler, the World No. 1, has won four of his past five tournaments, highlighted by his second Masters title and becoming the first player to successfully defend the Players Championship. Scheffler shot a first-round four-under 67 at Valhalla on Thursday.
Scheffler was supposed to tee off at 8:48 a.m. Friday before a shuttle-bus accident delayed Friday. The PGA of America announced that all times would be delayed by 1 hour and 20 minutes due to the accident.
This post will continue to be updated.
Main image: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
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