The Louisville, Kentucky, policeman who detained Scottie Scheffler last week outside the PGA Championship has been penalized for failing to activate his body camera while interacting with the leading golfer in the world.
While police were investigating a tragic traffic collision that had happened at the location earlier that Friday morning, Scheffler was taken into custody after he attempted to drive into the Valhalla Golf Club entrance. Det. Bryan Gillis of Louisville Metro Police stopped Scheffler, but the man disobeyed his commands and drove his car forward, “dragging Detective Gillis to the ground” and wounding him, according to a police report that was submitted shortly after the event. At a news conference on Thursday, Louisville Metro Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel revealed details from the department’s investigation into the events of that day and stated that no footage of that portion of the conversation between the golfer and detective has been found. Scheffler’s arrest was captured in two videos that the department uploaded to its YouTube page on Thursday. “Det. Gillis neglected to turn on his body-worn camera when he should have. The LMPD’s guideline regarding uniforms and equipment is broken by his inability to comply, according to Gwinn-Villaroel. “As required by our policy, Detective Gillis did not have his body-worn camera functioning. He was acting in accordance with our policies as a law enforcement officer. Members shall keep their BWC in a continuous state of operational readiness, according to section 4.31.7. “His superior gave Detective Gillis some advice. Because we recognize how significant it was that this contact was not recorded, our officer has been disciplined for breaking the policy. According to our disciplinary procedure and procedures, this corrective action has been noted on a performance observation form, according to Gwinn-Villaroel. Gillis stated in a police report that he “immediately started directing traffic in front of Gate 1, and never powered up my BWC” as soon as he arrived at the scene of the accident, despite the fact that his body-worn camera was not able to capture the occurrence. Gwinn-Villaroel omitted information about the specifics of the remediation process. Reporters were not allowed to ask her or Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg any questions at the press conference. “I am aware that the entire city and every member of the media present are asking a lot of questions at this time. Respecting the legal process is vital, and that is precisely what we will do, according to Greenberg. “And we’re going to let that play out.” Scheffler was charged with four offenses: careless driving, disobeying an officer directing traffic signals, third-degree criminal mischief, and second-degree assault of a police officer, which carries a criminal penalty. After being freed without being required to post bail, he shot a five-under 66 in his second round at the PGA Championship that same day. Scheffler tied for eighth place in the event on Sunday. Scheffler told reporters following the second round that he believed the circumstances up to his arrest were “a big misunderstanding” and that they would “get resolved fairly quickly.” Scheffler’s lawyer informed reporters after the press conference on Thursday that his client would contest the charges. Steven Romines stated, “We are in the same position as we were last Friday.” “Scottie Scheffler did not act improperly. We have no intention of reaching a settlement; the lawsuit will either be tried or dismissed. It’s really easy. Everything that has come to light thus far only serves to confirm what Scottie has always claimed: that there was confusion and chaos during the incident, and he did not act improperly.”