The Louisville police detective who arrested Scottie Scheffler at the PGA Championship last month says he bears no grudge against the pro golfer, even as they disagree over the extent of injuries the officer suffered during the incident.
Detective Bryan Gillis released a statement Wednesday night asserting he was “dragged by the car” and “went to the ground” with “visible injuries to my knees and wrists” from Scheffler’s vehicle as the world’s top-ranked golfer allegedly ignored his traffic directions outside Valhalla Golf Club on May 17.
“I’m going to recover from it, and it will be ok,” Gillis stated about the injuries he claimed to sustain.
However, Gillis took issue with comments from Scheffler’s attorney Steve Romines, who said after charges against his client were dropped that the golfer had been “falsely arrested” and that witnesses could confirm Gillis was not dragged.
“To be clear, I was dragged by the car…Romines’ claim of a false arrest was unfortunate and disturbing” and challenged his “honesty and integrity,” Gillis wrote.
The dispute over Gillis’ alleged injuries is the latest twist in the aftermath of Scheffler’s high-profile arrest hours before his second round tee time at the PGA Championship. Footage showed the golfer in handcuffs as police arrested him on charges of assaulting an officer, criminal mischief and reckless driving.
Prosecutors ultimately dropped all charges on Wednesday, citing video evidence corroborating Scheffler’s claim of a “misunderstanding” while trying to enter the course amid traffic issues from a nearby fatal accident.
While conceding the incident occurred, Scheffler can be heard in the newly released camera footage acknowledging he “should’ve stopped” but “got a little impatient” rushing to make his tee time after a delay.
Gillis, who was disciplined for not activating his body camera initially, used his statement to make light of the torn pants he had cited in his arrest report, saying, “I never guessed I’d have the most famous pair of pants in the country because of this.”
The officer maintained he wishes Scheffler’s family “all the best” despite released footage seemingly showing he was not actually dragged and injured.
As Scheffler’s attorney weighs potential litigation over the “false arrest,” Gillis appears intent on putting the controversial incident behind him while standing by his sworn recollection of events.