Officer disciplined for failing to activate bodycam during arrest of World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler

Kentucky police officer faces corrective action for not activating body-worn camera during Scottie Scheffler’s arrest at PGA Championship

The Kentucky police officer who arrested top-ranked golfer Scottie Scheffler outside the PGA Championship is facing “corrective action” for failing to have his body-worn camera activated during the interaction, authorities announced on Thursday.

Louisville Detective Bryan Gillis approached Scheffler’s vehicle last Friday morning outside the Valhalla Golf Club, but there is no video footage of the initial interaction as the camera was not turned on, officials said during a news conference.

Authorities released video footage from a street pole camera and a police car dashcam at the time of Scheffler’s arrest. The golfer was charged with injuring Gillis and disobeying commands, but he maintains that it was a misunderstanding and he did not intend to disregard any instructions.

Scheffler’s attorney, Steve Romines, reiterated that his client was not at fault and they are not interested in settling the case. The police chief stated that officers are expected to keep their body-worn cameras ready for operation at all times, and Gillis received corrective action for not turning his on.

Scheffler, who returned to the golf course after being arrested and finished tied for eighth place in the tournament, is scheduled to be arraigned on four charges, including second-degree felony assault of a police officer, on June 3 in Louisville.

The incident has raised concerns about the importance of body camera policies, especially in light of past controversies involving police shootings in Louisville. The department implemented a new policy in 2020 requiring all officers to activate their cameras before engaging in law enforcement activities to increase transparency and accountability.