This week, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced plans to investigate whether officers violated police policy on Friday morning during Scottie Scheffler’s arrest outside of Valhalla Golf Club. Louisville Metro Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel will address the investigation parameters, including which department will handle the inquiry, later this week.
“I think that’s critically important that we do that, not just in high profile events like took place on Friday, but on a regular basis,” Greenberg said on Tuesday at his weekly press conference. “And if policies are not being followed, there will be transparency about that. There will be action taken.”
A major question that popped up following Scheffler’s arrest was whether the arresting officer, Bryan Gillis, had his body camera on during the incident. Based on the initial review, Gillis did not have the camera activated.
“From my understanding, based on the facts I am aware of right now, I understand why body cam may not have been turned on at the initial contact between Officer (Bryan) Gillis and Mr. Scheffler,” Greenberg said. “I still have questions about why it was not on during Mr. Scheffler’s arrest.”
According to the department’s policy, officers must activate their cameras “prior to engaging in all law enforcement activities and encounters.”
Scheffler facing felony charge for incident at PGA Championship
Scheffler is facing charges of assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic. He was arrested on Friday morning ahead of the second round of the PGA Championship in Kentucky after he attempted to enter the club amid clogged traffic due to a pedestrian fatality the hour before.
According to Scheffler’s local lawyer, Steve Romines, the golfer showed his credentials to enter the club and was told to proceed by one officer. He then received conflicting instructions from Gillis. That led to Gillis latching onto the car and being dragged for 10 yards. The policeman suffered minor injuries, which he went to the hospital to treat.
The Louisville P.D. cuffed the PGA star before booking him and taking his mugshot. The golfer managed to return to the course for his scheduled tee time and went on to shoot 66, one stroke better than he did on Thursday.
Despite reports claiming that a Johnson County prosecutor plans to drop the charges against him, World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler is still expected to make an arraignment appearance in Louisville. However, the date of his arraignment has now been pushed from Tuesday, May 21, to June 3.
The post Louisville mayor reveals plans to investigate policing violations in Scottie Scheffler arrest appeared first on On3.