Louisville, Ky. — Three Louisville Metro Police officers faced scrutiny for failing to activate their body cameras during the arrest of pro golfer Scottie Scheffler on May 17 outside Valhalla Golf Club. The officers, Detectives Bryan Gillis and Kelvin Watkins, along with Officer Javar Downs, were found to have violated police policy by not turning on their body cams, according to documents released recently.

Failure to Activate Body Cameras

The officers had to fill out Failure to Activate forms, and Gillis received counseling for the oversight. The incident, which led to Scheffler’s arrest on charges that were later dismissed, raised questions about police procedures and accountability.

Lack of Corroboration and Investigation Findings

Gillis claimed he was dragged by Scheffler’s vehicle for 50 feet, but no other officers or witnesses corroborated this account. The investigation highlighted the absence of body camera footage before Gillis was allegedly assaulted.

Criticism and Disciplinary Actions

In addition to failing to activate his body camera, Gillis was also criticized for reaching into Scheffler’s running vehicle. The investigation deemed his actions tactically poor and added unnecessary risk to what was essentially a misunderstanding over a traffic violation.

Dismissal of Charges and Scheffler’s Response

Charges against Scheffler were eventually dropped, with the Jefferson County Attorney citing a lack of evidence to proceed. Scheffler maintained his innocence, expressing regret for the misunderstanding and emphasizing his respect for law enforcement.

Conclusion

The incident involving Scottie Scheffler’s arrest outside Valhalla Golf Club underscores the importance of accountability and proper police procedures. As the case unfolds, it highlights the challenges faced by both law enforcement officers and individuals in high-stress situations. Download The Local News App for more updates on this developing story.

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