The Kentucky police detective who apprehended professional golfer Scottie Scheffler reportedly breached departmental policies by neglecting to activate his body-worn camera during the incident, as per officials on Thursday.
The Louisville Metro Police Department did not disclose any specific repercussions faced by Detective Bryan Gillis for this violation. Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel stated that any action taken would align with their disciplinary procedures.
“Detective Gillis was expected to activate his body-worn camera but failed to do so,” Gwinn-Villaroel informed reporters on Thursday. “This failure constitutes a breach of LMPD regulations regarding police uniforms and equipment.”
It remains uncertain whether Gillis’ failure to document his encounter with Scheffler would impact potential legal proceedings against Scheffler for purportedly disregarding officers’ instructions.
Detective Gillis was provided guidance by his supervisor,” Gwinn-Villaroel stated. “We acknowledge the gravity of the failure to document this interaction, which is why corrective action has been taken against our officer for this policy breach.”
Police released footage capturing part of the events from a week prior, recorded from a dashboard camera in a squad car and a roadside pole. However, both sets of footage do not offer a clear depiction of what transpired during Scheffler’s arrest, as a bus obstructs much of the interaction.
There is no additional footage available showing Scheffler’s encounter with the police, according to Mayor Craig Greenberg.
Scheffler’s lawyer, Steve Romines, reiterated their stance in a statement: “Our position remains unchanged from last Friday. We are not engaging in negotiations as we have no intention of settling. We are preparing for litigation as necessary, and the case will either be dismissed or proceed to trial because Scottie did nothing wrong.”
Prior to the incident, a shuttle bus struck and killed Louisville resident John Mills just after 5 a.m., officials reported.
“Last Friday morning, our community experienced a tragic loss with the passing of Mr. Mills,” Greenberg acknowledged. “This tragic event set off a chain of regrettable incidents in dark, rainy, and tense conditions.”
Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer, encountered trouble with the police on Friday morning while attempting to access Valhalla Golf Club for the second round of the PGA Championship.
Police were directing traffic as they investigated Mills’ death.
Scheffler contends he was merely following police instructions on entering Valhalla when police, under conflicting directives, apprehended him.
According to a police incident report, the arresting officer claimed to have provided Scheffler with proper directions but alleged that he “refused to comply and accelerated forward,” causing the officer to be dragged to the ground.
Scheffler was arrested and charged with second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic.
Nevertheless, Scheffler managed to return to the course later that Friday and shot a 5-under 66, ultimately finishing in eighth place.