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Scheffler, 27, was trying to drive past the scene of a fatal crash scene involving shuttle bus at the Valhalla Golf Club around 5 a.m. Friday, May 17, when he allegedly dragged an officer at the scene, as reported by ESPN.
The reigning Masters champion was ultimately arrested and charged with felony second-degree assault on a police officer, along with lesser charges of third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic, according to Jefferson County court records.
Police told Daily Voice only that Scheffler was trying to enter a restricted area while police were directing traffic, ultimately leading to his arrest at approximately 5:05 a.m.
Scheffler was released without bail at approximately 8:40 a.m., making it to the PGA Championship right on time to tee off just after 10 a.m., ESPN says.
A police officer instructed Scheffler to stop, but Scheffler continued to drive toward the entrance and an officer attached himself to the side of Scheffler's car, according to ESPN. Scheffler was grabbed by police and pulled out of the vehicle before being pushed against the car and placed in handcuffs, ESPN said.
Scheffler, who became a dad for the first time three days ago, released the following statement to Instagram:
“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,” the pro golfer said. “I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today.”
Speaking to the press, Scheffler's attorney Steve Romines said that the golfer was going into Valhalla to work out before Round 2 of the championship, and had been unaware that there had been an accident.
"I think the officer that was directing traffic was maybe not part of the event traffic detail and so that’s where the miscommunication arose," Romines said. "Unaware that there had been a wreck, he proceeded like they'd been instructed to... He had done exactly as he was instructed to."
Scheffler has won four out of his last five tournaments. In 2022, Scheffler became the first New Jersey native to win the Masters. The golfer was born in Ridgewood and lived in Montvale. His father used to take him to play golf at Bergen Community College in Paramus, holding a flashlight while Scheffler hit shots in the dark. His family moved to Dallas when he was six.
To read the ESPN story, click here.
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