[PHOTO: Michael Reaves]
Scottie Scheffler’s arraignment date over multiple charges stemming from an incident at Valhalla with a Louisville Metro police officer has been delayed.
On Monday, court documents show the arraignment date, originally scheduled for today, had been pushed back to June 3. Scheffler’s attorney Steve Romines has told multiple news outlets that Scheffler will enter a not guilty plea.
Scheffler was arrested on Friday morning outside Valhalla Golf Club ahead of the second round of the PGA Championship and charged with second-degree assault of a police officer, criminal mischief and reckless driving. Scheffler is alleged to have driven past a police officer against the officer’s instructions while trying to enter the club. Scheffler called the incident a misunderstanding, although a police report states that arresting officer Bryan Gillis was dragged by Scheffler’s car, which led to injury and damage of Gillis’ pants. Scheffler’s lawyer disputed the nature of the incident.
“[Scheffler] was proceeding as directed by another traffic officer and driving a marked player’s vehicle with credentials visible,” Romines said on Friday. “In the confusion, Scottie is alleged to have disregarded a different officer’s traffic signals resulting in these charges. Multiple eyewitnesses have confirmed that he did not do anything wrong but was simply proceeding as directed. He stopped immediately upon being directed to and never at any point assaulted any officer with his vehicle. We will litigate this matter as needed and he will be completely exonerated.”
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On Saturday Louisville mayor Craig Greenberg told local news outlets that Gillis did not have his video body camera on. Greenberg later added there was a camera across the street, with the hope that it showed when Scheffler was arrested that will eventually be released.
Scheffler returned to Valhalla after his Friday arrest and turned in a second-round 66, although followed that with a 73 while admitting the chaotic situation had worn him down. Scheffler bounced back with a final-round 65, ultimately finishing in a tie for eighth.