Jefferson County, Kentucky prosecutors have dropped all charges against Scottie Scheffer after the world’s top golfer was arrested while on his way to the PGA Championship earlier this month.
Scheffler’s case was dismissed on Wednesday after county attorney Mike O’Connell moved to dismiss the charges against Scheffler because they were based on a misunderstanding.
“Mr. Scheffler’s characterization that this was a ‘big misunderstanding’ is corroborated by the evidence,” O’Connell said.
“The evidence we reviewed supports the conclusion that Detective [Bryan] Gillis was concerned for public safety at the scene when he initiated contact with Mr. Scheffler. However, Mr. Scheffler’s actions and the evidence surrounding their exchange during this misunderstanding do not satisfy the elements of any criminal offenses.”
The charges included a felony charge of assaulting a police officer and misdemeanors for criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals. Scheffler was arrested and released without bail earlier this month after he attempted to drive through a police enclosure and enter the Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, where the PGA Championship was played.
Louisville Metro Police detective Brian Gillis arrested Scheffler for allegedly striking him with his vehicle during the police encounter, but Gillis’s body camera was not turned on to record the alleged incident. Gillis was later disciplined for failing to turn on his body camera during the alleged indicent.
“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,” Scheffler told Sports Illustrated.
Following his release, Scheffler made his tee time and continued his top form, much to the delight of fans at the tournament and online. He posted a 5-under-66 at the second round of the PGA Championship, seemingly undeterred by his arrest. At one point, Scheffler could be seen giving high-fives to fans wearing t-shirts with his mug shot.
Scheffler finished eight strokes behind winner Xander Schauffele, placing him in a tie for eighth place.