Report: Charges against Scottie Scheffler likely to be dropped by Louisville prosecutor

Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell has set a press conference for Wednesday to address the charges against World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler following his arrest outside Valhalla Golf Club before the second round of the PGA Championship. The press conference has stirred speculation that the prosecutor is likely to dismiss the charges against the former Longhorn, according to WDRB. O’Connell will speak at the Hall of Justice in Louisville at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

Scheffler is facing charges of assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic. His arraignment, previously scheduled for the Tuesday after the arrest, was pushed to June 3 two weeks ago.

Scheffler’s local lawyer, Steve Romines, told reporters last Thursday that they have no intention of settling the case with the Louisville PD. They’d like to see it through as the golfer “did nothing wrong.”

“Our position remains the same,” Romines said Thursday following the release of video footage of the incident. “It will either be dismissed or will go to trial. We’re not interested in settling.”

Shortly after the golfer’s arrest and quick release, reports circulated that the charges would be dropped. However, Romines said at the time that those reports were false.

Louisville PD release footage of Scheffler arrest

Louisville Metro Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel and Mayer Craig Greenberg released video footage of Scheffler’s arrest on Thursday during a press conference. The footage comes from a road pole outside of Valhalla Golf Club and from a police cruiser dash cam, not from a police body camera. Scheffler was arrested on Friday morning, hours before he was scheduled to tee off for the second round of the PGA Championship.

ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington was in the car behind the World No. 1 golfer and managed to provide some on-site video of the arrest as it happened. The pole footage and dash cam footage, however, can help shed light on how the encounter with Officer Bryan Gillis escalated to the former Longhorn’s arrest.

Here is video of Det. Gillis seen running after Scheffler’s SUV and appearing to swing at the driver’s window. This is after the alleged dragging, police claim. pic.twitter.com/oHeUBaL9ZD

— Jason Riley (@JasonRileyWDRB) May 23, 2024

A major question that popped up following Scheffler’s arrest was whether the arresting officer, Gillis, had his body camera on during the incident. Based on the initial review, he did not have the camera activated.

According to the department’s policy, officers must activate their cameras “prior to engaging in all law enforcement activities and encounters.” After the inquiry, the LMPD determined that Gillis violated the policy and as such, has received “corrective action.”