By WAVE Staff, Michael Caldwell and Julia Huffman
Published: May. 17, 2024 at 7:20 AM EDT|Updated: May. 17, 2024 at 3:24 PM EDT
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler is back at Valhalla Golf Club and has released a statement following his arrest Friday morning.
According to an arrest citation, police were directing traffic into Gate 1 of Valhalla due to the road closures from an early morning crash that left one man dead. The crash happened around 5 a.m. near Valhalla Golf Club on Shelbyville Road. John Mills, who officials with PGA of America said was a worker with one of their vendors, had tried to cross Shelbyville Road when he was hit by a shuttle bus.
Mills was a resident of Crestwood, Kentucky. He was 69-years-old.
“This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club,” said PGA of America. “This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
Scheffler was not involved in that crash. Police said Scheffler was driving eastbound to get into the course. Scheffler pulled into the westbound lanes, where traffic was flowing outward. The citation said a Louisville Metro detective in his uniform and reflective rain gear stopped Scheffler to give him instructions.
The citation said Scheffler “refused to comply” and drove off, dragging the detective to the ground. A source told WAVE News the detective needed to get treated for minor injuries after being dragged about 10 to 15 yards by the vehicle during this incident.
Scheffler was booked at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections (LMDC) after being arrested for the following charges:
- Second-degree assault of a police officer (Felony)
- Third-degree criminal mischief (Misdemeanor)
- Reckless driving (Violation)
- Disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic (Misdemeanor)
ESPN NFL Reporter Jeff Darlington shared a video of Scheffler’s arrest to social media.
Here is video that I took of Scheffler being arrested: https://t.co/8UPZKvPCCf pic.twitter.com/9Tbp2tyrJh
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) May 17, 2024
He was released on personal recognizance by Judge Sarah Nicholson before 9 a.m.
Attorney for Scottie Scheffler, Steve Romines, talks after Scheffler was released from LMDC @wave3news pic.twitter.com/mLs0CEUIvZ
— Sean Baute (@seanbaute) May 17, 2024
According to a PGA announcement, play of Round 2 rescheduled to 8:35 a.m. and all Round 2 starting tee times were delayed one hour and 20 minutes from the originally published time. ESPN reported that Scheffler arrived back at Valhalla Golf Club by 9:12 a.m. His tee time was scheduled for 10:08 a.m.
Video of car driving away from LMDC with Scheffler inside. The garage it pulled out from has two doors, front and back. A group of reporters were standing in the front. The car, unsurprisingly, left from the back @wave3news pic.twitter.com/nj5zn2JWV7
— Sean Baute (@seanbaute) May 17, 2024
“This is a preliminary statement regarding the facts and circ*mstances of what occurred near Valhalla Golf Club early this morning,” LMPD said in a statement. “We are still in the process of gathering information and investigating what transpired today. At about 5:07 this morning, in front of Gate 2 at Valhalla Golf Club, a pedestrian was fatally struck by a shuttle bus. LMPD expresses its sincere condolences to the family of the individual who died as a result of that collision. All lanes of traffic at the scene were closed while the fatality investigation occurred. LMPD personnel were also directing traffic around the scene. While an officer was directing traffic, an encounter with a motorist attempting to make entry into a restricted area ultimately led to the driver being arrested. We are in the process of conducting a thorough investigation. We are appreciative that all parties involved are fully cooperating.
Scheffler later posted to his Instagram story with a statement giving his perspective on what happened Friday morning.
“This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers. 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. 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.”
Both Louisville Metro Mayor Craig Greenberg and the officials from the PGA Championship have released a statement in response to both incidents that took place Friday morning.
“Our primary concern today remains with the family of John Mills, who lost his life in a tragic accident early this morning while reporting to work,” PGA official said. “As it relates to the incident involving Scottie Scheffler, we are fully cooperating as local authorities review what took place. While the legal process plays out, questions should be directed to Scheffler’s attorney or local authorities.”
“Following this tragedy, LMPD stopped traffic to assist with its investigation into the fatal accident,” Greenberg said. “It is unfortunate that an incident took place between an LMPD officer and Mr. Scheffler while he was attempting to enter Valhalla. LMPD is fully investigating this incident and the legal process will proceed. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.
This is a developing story.
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