LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WSYX) — Prosecutors in Louisville, Kentucky, have dropped all charges against top golfer Scottie Scheffler following his arrest during the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club this month.
Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell spoke in court Wednesday, asking the judge to dismiss the charges.
Based upon the totality of the evidence, my office cannot move forward in the prosecution of the charges filed against Mr. Scheffler," O'Connell said during the hearing that lasted less than 10 minutes. "Mr. Scheffler’s characterization that this was ‘a big misunderstanding’ is corroborated by the evidence.”When Scheffler’s attorney Steve Romines was asked if he wanted to comment, he said, "Judge, it’s taken me a long time to understand that when I’m winning, don’t talk. So I have nothing to say, your honor.”
Scheffler was driving to the course on May 17 when an officer claims the golfer tried to drive around the scene of a deadly accident and ignored the officer's commands. The officer claims he was dragged by Scheffler's car and suffered injuries resulting in charges of felony second-degree assault of a police officer as well as three misdemeanors.
Scheffler called the incident a misunderstanding and said that he was following the directions of other police officers.
Romines spoke after the hearing, saying he was "pleased" with the outcome and that Scheffler is glad the legal battle is over.
Scheffler posted a statement on his Instagram story after the charges were dropped:
"Earlier today, I was informed by my attorney, Steve Romines, that all charges were formally dismissed in regard to the incident outside of Valhalla Golf Club on May 17. As I stated previously, this was an unfortunate misunderstanding. I hold no ill will toward Officer Gillis. I wish to put this incident behind me and move on, and I hope he will do the same. Police officers have a difficult job and I hold them in high regard. This was a severe miscommunication in a chaotic situation.
I appreciate the support during the past two weeks and want to again encourage everyone to remember the real tragedy of May 17. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with John Mills and his family, and I hope to personally offer my condolences now that the case is over. May John rest in peace."
"We respect the County Attorney's decision, and we respect the judicial process," the Louisville Metro Police Department posted on X. "LMPD will remain focused on our mission to serve the city of Louisville and mitigate violent crime. Videos and documents which were previously unreleased due to the judicial process will be made available, after appropriate redactions are made, via Louisville Metro Government's online portal."
The dismissal of the charges comes just days before Scheffler is set to compete in the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. He will be joined by reigning U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, six-time PGA Tour winner Max Homa, fan-favorite Rickie Fowler and returning star Will Zalatoris.
Scheffler is currently ranked No. 1 in the world and has won four tournaments so far in 2024.
The Memorial Tournament, founded by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, runs June 3-9.
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