The detective who arrested golfer Scottie Scheffler has hit out at the star’s lawyer for questioning his “honesty and integrity”.
Detective Bryan Gillis arrested the golf world number one player in Louisville, Kentucky earlier this month during the PGA Championship.
But on Wednesday all charges against Scheffler, including second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief and reckless driving, were dropped.
In a statement online Detective Gillis hit out at Scheffler’s lawyer Steve Romines for suggesting the star could file a wrongful arrest lawsuit.
“It was unfortunate and disturbing to hear Steve Romines’ commentary today-claiming a ‘false arrest’ was made and for him to challenge my honesty and integrity,” he wrote in his statement.
“I’d be surprised and disappointed if Mr. Scheffler actually had any part in making those statements.
“To be clear, I was drug [sic] by the car, I went to the ground, and I received visible injuries to my knees and wrist. I’m going to recover from it, and it will be okay.”
Scheffler had been arrested outside the second day of the PGA Championship on May 17 as police responded to a scene where a vendor was struck and killed by a shuttle bus.
He was not involved in that incident, but was reportedly involved in an altercation with police as he tried to drive around the scene.
City officials said Mr Gillis did not activate his body-worn camera when he encountered Scheffler, leading to a dispute over the pair’s version of events during the arrest.
Mr Gillis thanked Scheffler for his demeanour, saying: “Mr Scheffler and I both agree that there will be no ill will over this going forward.
“Instead of giving a negative public reaction, he chose to speak with dignity, humility and respect. My family and I appreciate that.”
Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell said there was not enough evidence to support further legal action on Wednesday.
“Based upon the totality of the evidence, my office cannot move forward in the prosecution of the charges filed against Mr Scheffler,” Mr O’Connell said during the hearing that lasted less than 10 minutes.
“Mr Scheffler’s characterisation that this was ‘a big misunderstanding’ is corroborated by the evidence.”
Mr Romines, representing Scheffler, was asked if he wanted to comment and replied: “Judge, it’s taken me a long time to understand that when I’m winning, don’t talk. So I have nothing to say, your honour.”
Mr Gillis has since been disciplined for not activating his body-worn camera during the arrest.