Scottie Scheffler: Golf star 'shaken' and 'in shock' after police arrest

World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler says he is “shaken” and “in shock” after being arrested and charged by police this morning.

The 27-year-old allegedly tried to avoid a traffic jam caused by a fatal accident near the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, around 6am local time (11am UK time) on Friday.

He is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday after being charged with second-degree assault on a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and failure to obey signals from traffic officers.

Scheffler was released at 8:40 a.m. local time (1:40 p.m. UK time) and allowed to return to the golf course to play his second round of the PGA Championship, where he is currently three shots from the lead.

Speaking to reporters after his tour, Scheffler said: “It was a chaotic situation and a big misunderstanding. I’m still dizzy.

“I spent some time warming up in a prison cell, which was a first for me.

“I was shaken to say the least…I was never angry, I was just in shock. I was shaking for about an hour.

“Coming here and trying to play today was definitely a challenge, but I did my best to control my mind and my breathing… just try to play golf.

“I knew there would be a lot of distractions… but to be honest, it was great to have the fans behind me. I felt like they were really happy to have me here competing today. “

Police earlier released a photo taken of Scheffler while he was wearing an orange prison-issued jumpsuit.

The fatal crash occurred this morning when a bus struck and killed a man as it crossed the road near the front gate of Valhalla Golf Club.

Tournament officials said they were “devastated” by the death of local man John Mills, who worked for an on-site vendor in Valhalla.

Scheffler, who was not involved in the crash, allegedly tried to drive around the crash site when he failed to stop for a police officer.

A police officer then allegedly clung to Scheffler’s car.

The golfer drove about 10 to 20 yards before stopping his vehicle at the entrance to Valhalla, according to ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington who was on scene.

Darlington said, “At that point, the officer asked Scheffler to get out of the car.

“He rolled down the window, the officer grabbed his arm and started pulling him. He reached inside, opened the car door, took Scheffler out, pushed him against the car and ‘immediately handcuffed.”

According to the police report, a detective stopped Scheffler’s car and “attempted to give instructions.”

The report continues: “The subject refused to comply and accelerated, causing Detective Gillis to the ground. Detective Gillis suffered pain, swelling and abrasions to his left wrist and knees.

“He was transported to the hospital for further medical treatment by emergency medical personnel. Detective Gillis’ uniform pants, valued at approximately $80, were damaged beyond repair.”

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In a statement, Scheffler’s attorney, Steve Romines, said the player was proceeding under the instructions of a traffic officer and allegedly ignored another officer’s signals “in confusion.”

“Several eyewitnesses confirmed that he did nothing wrong but was simply proceeding as instructed,” the statement added.

“He stopped immediately after being directed and did not assault an officer with his vehicle at any time. We will litigate this case if necessary.”

Speaking after a runoff, Scheffler expressed his sympathies to Mr Mills’ family.

“I can’t imagine what they’re going through this morning,” Scheffler said.

“My situation will be resolved…I can’t talk about what happened…my heart goes out to the family.”