The officer who arrested world No.1 golfer Scottie Scheffler last week has been disciplined for not activating his body-worn camera during the incident.
Scheffler was arrested before the second round of the PGA Championship at Louisville, Kentucky, after he tried to drive around traffic congestion was caused by a fatal accident outside Valhalla Golf Club.
Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel says arresting officer Bryan Gillis has received corrective action for not turning on his body-worn camera.
"This corrective action has been notated on a performance observation form, which is in line with our disciplinary protocol and practices," said Gwinn-Villaroel. "We respect the judicial process and we will allow the courts to proceed accordingly."
Scheffler, the pre-tournament favourite, was five shots off the lead before being arrested over what he described as a misunderstanding.
According to the arrest report, Scheffler "refused to comply and accelerated forward", dragging Gillis to the ground. The officer was taken to hospital suffering pain, swelling and abrasions to his wrist and knee.
Police have also released video footage, including one taken by a street pole camera that shows Scheffler's vehicle slowly turn into Valhalla, before an officer runs towards it and strikes it, as it comes to a stop.
The officer continuously reaches into the window of the driver's seat, before the door opens and Scheffler emerges. The vehicle does not move once the officer begins interacting with it.
A second video from a police vehicle dashcam shows Scheffler being escorted from the scene in handcuffs.
Neither video shows an officer being dragged to the ground, as described in the arrest report. Louisville police have also released a form in which Gillis had to explain why he did not record the incident.
"While directing traffic in front of Gate 1, the PGA personnel stopped a bus from entering Gate 1," Gillis wrote. "I observed a vehicle traveling in the opposing lanes coming at me.
"I stopped the driver and advised him he could not proceed, because of the bus. He demanded to be let in and proceeded forward against my directions.
"I was dragged/knocked down by the driver. I then proceeded to arrest the driver."
Scheffler was charged with second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer. He was released from jail in time to make his second-round tee time.
Scheffler, who finished in a share of eighth place at the PGA Championship, is due in a Louisville court for his rescheduled arraignment on June 3.
Reuters
