Following Scottie Scheffler’s remarkable victory and gold medal at the Paris Olympics, fans have been curious about his arrest. While Scheffler’s impressive achievements have captured widespread attention, many want to learn more about his arrest that occurred earlier in the year.
Here’s everything you need to know about why authorities arrested golfer Scottie Scheffler before the PGA Championship.
Why was golfer Scottie Scheffler arrested?
Authorities arrested Scottie Scheffler on charges of second-degree assault and reckless driving after a dramatic confrontation with police.
In May 2024, authorities arrested Scheffler, a prominent golfer and two-time Masters champion, under dramatic circumstances. The incident occurred while he was en route to the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, according to the Associated Press.
Scheffler found himself in an altercation with Detective Bryan Gillis, who was managing traffic after a tragic pedestrian accident near the golf course. Scheffler was reportedly unaware of the ongoing situation and encountered a roadblock set up by Gillis.
According to reports, Scheffler’s vehicle allegedly dragged Gillis when he attempted to stop it, causing injuries that required hospitalization. Surveillance footage later showed Gillis pursuing and apprehending Scheffler, although it did not capture the initial moments of the confrontation. Gillis faced criticism for failing to activate his body camera during the arrest.
Authorities charged Scheffler with multiple offenses, including second-degree assault and reckless driving. The arrest led to widespread media coverage, including a video of Scheffler in handcuffs and a mugshot in an orange jumpsuit.
By the end of the month, authorities dropped all criminal charges against Scheffler. Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell requested the dismissal of the charges, citing a misunderstanding with traffic directions. Evidence supported this claim. In an Instagram statement, Scheffler called the arrest an “unfortunate misunderstanding” and expressed his desire to move on from the incident.
