Scottie Scheffler charges dropped by county prosecutor | Golf | Sport

“Mr. Scheffler’s actions and the evidence surrounding their exchange during this misunderstanding do not satisfy the elements of any criminal offense,” the prosecutor’s statement ended. In all, the prosecutor – Michael J. O’Connell – explained how he and his team reviewed all evidence and interviewed police, and concluded that Scheffler’s actions did not warrant further prosecution. 

“The Kentucky Rules of Professional Conduct – ethics – promulgated by The Supreme Court of Kentucky commentary states ‘A prosecutor has the responsibility of a minister of justice and not simply that of an advocate,'” part of O’Connell’s statement read. “The very first responsibility under Kentucky Supreme Court rules … requires that prosecutors ‘refrain from prosecuting a charge that the prosecutor knows is not supported by probable cause. 

“Therefore, based on the totality of the evidence, my office cannot move forward in the prosecution of the charges filed against Mr. Scheffler. Mr. Scheffler’s characterization that this was ‘a big misunderstanding’ is corroborated by the evidence.”

The incident in question occurred in the early hours before the second round of the PGA Championship. Louisville Metro Police Department Detective Bryan Gillis was among the officers at Valhalla investigating a pedestrian fatality and at the same time, Scheffler arrived at the course. 

According to Gillis, the 27-year-old allegedly did not follow the detective’s instruction, instead speeding away in his SUV which dragged Gillis on the ground and inflicted injuries to his wrist and knee, along with his equipment. What made the situation murky was the fact that Gillis did not activate his bodycam during the incident. 

Soon after, Scheffler was arrested and originally was charged with Second Degree Assault of a Police Officer, Third Degree Criminal Mischief, Reckless Driving, and Ignoring Signals from an Officer Directing Traffic. Shortly after his arrest, Scheffler released a statement, in which he described the situation as being “very chaotic.”

“I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today,” his statement read. “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.”

Before all four charges against Scheffler were dropped, he and his attorney, Steve Romines, were set to meet in court on June 3 after the initial date of May 21 had to be pushed back due to a scheduling conflict.

However, more video evidence began appearing on social media, with the cameras around the course painting a clear view of the altercation and misunderstanding between Gillis and Scheffler. More recently, video of Scheffler speaking with an officer about the interaction, shortly after it happened, surfaced, with the 27-year-old alleging the detective hit him in the shoulder. 

Additionally during the conversation, Scheffler acknowledges that he did not know Gillis was a police officer – though Scheffler specified Gillis did not identify himself as such – and admitted he did “get a little bit impatient” because he was late for his tee time. The world No. 1 also alleged that Gillis was aggressive during their interaction. 

Scheffler added his actions were the result of what he described as “panic” because he did not know who Gillis was at the time. The officer speaking with Scheffler noted that Gillis had a “scrape on his knee” and that he had a “big bruise” as a result of the incident. 

With the charges being dropped and the altercation behind him, Scheffler can focus on the Memorial Tournament in early June. Scheffler finished the PGA Championship T8.