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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Police said Saturday there isn't body camera footage of the initial incident that took place between world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler and LMPD detective Bryan Gillis. Scheffler was handcuffed Friday morning and charged with felony assault of a police officer at Valhalla Golf Club after allegedly refusing to stop at the scene of a fatal accident at the course entrance. Scheffler was charged at about 7:30 a.m. with felony assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic, according to court records. "The officer did not have a bodycam footage turned on during the incident we will release the footage that we have," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said. "We did not have any .. to my knowledge. We have not discovered any video of the initial contact between officer Gillis and Mr. Scheffler." LMPD confirmed that there is no body-worn camera footage of the initial encounter. "The incident is under review internally and will proceed through the judicial process," LMPD released in a statement on Saturday. "We would like to restate that all parties involved are fully cooperating. LMPD is committed to a thorough investigation for all involved." Scheffler, who said it was a "chaotic situation and a big misunderstanding," is scheduled to appear in Jefferson District Court on May 21. In an arrest report, police claim Scheffler was driving "eastbound to gain access to the course" at Valhalla Gate 1 when he pulled into a westbound lane "where outbound traffic was flowing and to avoid backed up traffic." Gillis was "in full LMPD uniform and a hi-visibility yellow reflective rain jacket" when he stopped Scheffler and "attempted to give instructions", according to the report. Greenberg said there's footage from across the street from a fixed camera of when Scheffler was arrested and that'll soon be released. "Subject refused to comply and accelerated forward, dragging Detective Gillis to the ground," police allege in the arrest report. "I don't think that this golfer went rogue one day and decided as one of the one of the richest athletes in the world was going to take a cop out with a car," said Andrew White, a personal injury attorney in Louisville. The officer was taken to the hospital with pain, swelling and abrasions to his left knee and wrist. His uniform pants, which were estimated to have cost $80, "were damaged beyond repair," according to the arrest report. "That is false," Attorney Steve Romines said of Scheffler dragging a police officer. White said it's going to take time to verify this week's statements. "We don't know enough yet," White said. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said this morning that LMPD Detective Bryan Gillis either wasn't wearing a body camera Friday morning or didn't have it activated when he encountered Scottie Scheffler outside Valhalla. "We have yet to discover footage of the initial contact… pic.twitter.com/rN2L6cGK6k Greenberg wasn't certain whether Gillis wasn't wearing a body camera or didn't have it activated. "Body cam footage has, for the most part vindicated police officers, in many cases, most cases even, but when you need it and it's not there, it always raises eyebrows," White said. According to LMPD's BWC, body-worn camera footage policy, members will immediately activate their cameras prior to engaging in all law enforcement activities or encounters. LMPD's policy states if the camera had a malfunction, or wasn't turned on -- the officer must report it. It also states police will wear the cameras while working any secondary employment that requires them to be in uniform. "Depending on how you read their policy and where that investigation was, it maybe should have still been on, but I just don't know where they were in their investigation," White said. The policy also states during "special events" a commander will tell officers what needs to be recorded. It goes on to say, "Members will record citizen contacts." It is not known by WDRB News whether LMPD considered their traffic detail as a "special event" or not. "This early in the stage in the game, there's a lot of things we need to look at to verify all those statements," White said. There are still a lot of questions surrounding the incident with Scheffler - including is there any body camera footage from any other officers? WDRB News has asked that question and many others - and will continue to do so until there are more answers. The felony charge is punishable by between five and 10 years in prison. Scheffler said in a statement on social media: "This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers. It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do. I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. "I'm hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today. Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest sympathies to the family of the man who passed away in the earlier accident this morning. It truly puts everything in perspective." Scheffler is scheduled to be in court on Tuesday. 2024 PGA Championship Coverage: Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
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