A Louisville Metro Police Department officer faced “corrective action” following an internal investigation into the arrest of professional golfer and two-time major winner Scottie Scheffler. The investigation revealed that the officer, Detective Bryan Gillis, failed to turn on his body camera during the arrest, which violated department protocols.
Louisville Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg held a joint press conference on Thursday morning to announce the findings of the investigation. Chief Gwinn-Villaroel stated that Detective Gillis was counseled by his supervisor for not activating his body-worn camera, as required by the department’s policy on uniforms and equipment. “Detective Gillis should have turned on his body-worn camera, but did not. His failure to do so is a violation of the LMPD policy on uniforms and equipment, subject category body-worn camera,” she explained.
Chief Gwinn-Villaroel emphasized the importance of the corrective action taken, noting that it was documented on a performance observation form in accordance with disciplinary protocols. “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. She also mentioned that no further comments could be made as the judicial process would proceed accordingly.
Mayor Greenberg highlighted the critical role of police body-worn cameras in maintaining transparency and community trust. He stressed the need for LMPD to focus on reducing violent crime and gun violence in the city. “Activating body-worn cameras is critically important for our police department to have evidence to maintain the community’s trust, to be transparent,” he stated. “LMPD needs to be focused on reducing the amount of violent crime in our city, reducing the amount of gun violence, protecting and keeping people safe.”
The internal investigation was initiated after Scottie Scheffler was handcuffed and arrested outside Valhalla Golf Club early Friday morning, just before the second round of the PGA Championship. According to the arrest report, Scheffler was driving a credentialed PGA courtesy car when he allegedly “refused to comply and accelerated forward, dragging” an officer to the ground. Police were already at the scene investigating the death of a volunteer who had been hit by a bus outside the golf course.
Scheffler, 27, is now facing four charges, including felony assault for injuries sustained by the Louisville police officer during the encounter. He described the situation as chaotic and a big misunderstanding, and extended his condolences to the family of the deceased volunteer. “I can’t comment on any of the specifics of it, so I feel like y’all are going to be disappointed, but I can’t comment on any specifics, but my situation will be handled,” Scheffler said after the second round of the PGA Championship.
Scheffler also expressed his gratitude towards the officers involved, noting their kindness during the encounter. “They were really kind. I’m grateful that we have such strong police, and they’re our protectors out there, and like I said, we just got into a chaotic situation this morning. That’s really all it was.”
Scheffler’s initial court date has been postponed until June 3 by a Kentucky court.
