The twists and turns in the Scottie Scheffler saga continue unabated. Now, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg has indicated that the police officers involved in the case will themselves be under investigation.
Scheffler was arrested while trying to drive onto the premises at Valhalla Golf Course before the second round of the PGA Championship last weekend. The question on everyone’s mind: why would the world’s number-one golfer be trying to get into a major championship? As the story unfolds, the scrutiny has shifted toward the actions of the officers involved.
“I think that’s critically important that we do that, not just in high-profile events like [those that] took place on Friday, but on a regular basis,” Greenberg said at a weekly press conference. “And if policies are not being followed, there will be transparency about that. There will be action taken.”
LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing. “Any policy violations that are revealed through the course of the investigation will be appropriately addressed according to LMPD’s disciplinary protocol,” she said.
There are inconsistencies in the narrative coming out of the Louisville Metro Police Department regarding Scheffler’s arrest. The official police report states that Detective Bryan Gillis was ‘dragged’ to the ground by the golfer’s car after Scheffler “refused to comply.” However, a new witness has emerged suggesting that the officer actually tripped.
Golf broadcast play-by-play announcer Bob Wischusen provided a version of events that portrays Gillis as the initial aggressor, and his injuries as a result of not being able to maintain his footing in rainy conditions. “My impression was he was kind of running alongside chasing the car, and maybe he tripped and fell. I mean, there was kind of an outcropping or median, you know, by the front gate,” Wischusen said in an interview with Golf.com. “And keep in mind, it was raining. It was 6 o’clock in the morning. It was dark.”
Compounding the controversy, Mayor Greenberg indicated that Gillis’ bodycam was not activated during the encounter, which appears to be a violation of LMPD protocol. According to WLKY News Louisville, the policy states: “Members will immediately activate their BWC (body-worn camera) in recording mode prior to engaging in all law enforcement activities or encounters.” Directing traffic, it seems, would qualify as such an activity.
Additionally, Wischusen described how Gillis approached Scheffler’s car. “He runs up to the driver’s side, and with the butt end of his flashlight starts screaming, you know, ‘Get out of the car, get out of the car’ — banging on the window — ‘shut the engine off, get out of the car. I’m a police officer.’”
Scheffler was quickly put up against a car and handcuffed. The only available video of the incident, thus far, comes from ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, who was on the scene.
While bodycam footage is missing, Mayor Greenberg mentioned that another video, captured from a pole across the street, will be released soon. This video is expected to shed further light on the incident. Regarding the bodycam issue, Greenberg expressed, “I have questions about why it was not on during Mr. Scheffler’s arrest.”
Despite rumors, Scheffler’s lawyer has denied that charges against him have been dropped. An arraignment date is set for June 3rd at 9 AM. Scheffler faces serious charges, including second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals. The first charge is a felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of five to ten years.
As the case unfolds, the investigation into both Scheffler’s actions and the police conduct continues to capture public attention, raising questions about accountability and transparency in law enforcement.