LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Scottie Scheffler, who is currently ranked the best professional golfer in the world, was taken into custody by Louisville Metro police Friday morning.
This started Friday morning when there was apparently a misunderstanding in traffic. Scheffler was in a vehicle right outside Valhalla Golf Club for the 2024 PGA Championship and reportedly trying to cross near the scene of a deadly pedestrian crash that had happened earlier in the morning.
Officials with PGA of America said the victim was a worker with one of their vendors. The following statement was released.
“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.”
Scheffler was not involved in that crash. A source told WAVE News a police officer needed to get treated for minor injuries after being dragged about 10 to 15 yards by the vehicle during this incident.
Drivers should still avoid that part of Shelbyville Road for their morning commute, since the flow of traffic is moving slow.
WAVE News reached out to the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) for more information. 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.
Scheffler was released on personal recognizance by Judge Sarah Nicholson before 9 a.m. According to an arrest citation, police were directing traffic into Gate 1 of Valhalla due to the road closures from the fatal 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 an LMPD 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. The detective was taken to the hospital for treatment.
According to a PGA announcement, play of Round 2 is set for 8:35 a.m. and all Round 2 starting times are 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 is 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 posted to his Instagram story saying,
“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.
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First appeared on www.wave3.com