The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) has disciplined Detective Bryan Gillis for failing to activate his body-worn camera during the arrest of world-renowned golfer Scottie Scheffler, according to Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel. The incident, which occurred outside Valhalla Golf Club amidst the PGA Championship, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the department's adherence to its own policies.
Scheffler, the world's No. 1 golfer, was arrested on May 17 on charges including assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic. The charges stem from an incident where Scheffler allegedly failed to stop and follow officers' directions as he attempted to drive into the golf club. The area was congested due to a fatal accident that had occurred earlier.
According to the police report, Gillis stopped Scheffler's car and attempted to give instructions to the golfer. The report alleges that Scheffler refused to comply and "accelerated forward, dragging Detective Gillis to the ground." However, the lack of bodycam footage has left a gap in the narrative of the incident.
Gwinn-Villaroel stated that Gillis should have activated his bodycam during the encounter, a requirement under the LMPD policy. "Detective Gillis was counseled by his supervisor. We understand the seriousness of the failure to capture this interaction, which is why our officer has received corrective action for this policy violation," she said. The specific nature of the corrective action was not disclosed.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg acknowledged that there is no video of the actual incident, although footage from a police cruiser’s dashboard and a pole across the street from Valhalla was released. He emphasized the importance of body-worn cameras in maintaining community trust and transparency, particularly in light of the department's checkered history. In 2023, the Department of Justice issued a report stating it had “reasonable cause” to believe the LMPD engages “in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law.”
Despite the arrest and pending charges, Scheffler remained at the top of the Official World Golf Ranking following the PGA Championship. His arraignment is set for June 3. Scheffler's attorney, Steve Romines, maintains his client's innocence and is prepared to go to trial if the charge of assaulting a police officer is not dropped.
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