Officer Who Arrested PGA® Star in Hot Water

Already under intense public scrutiny for mishandling the arrest of Scottie Scheffler, the top ranked golf player in the world, a Louisville police officer now faces even more serious allegations. The initial backlash over his role in Scheffler’s arrest marked the beginning of his troubles; they have since escalated with fresh charges of theft and misconduct, further fueling public outrage and disbelief.

The Scheffler Incident

Louisville Metro Police Officer Javar Downs first ignited public outrage during Scheffler’s controversial arrest, when he and two other officers violated department policy by failing to activate their body cameras. The incident took place on the morning of May 17, when Scheffler was driving to Valhalla Golf Club for the second round of the PGA^® Championship. Police were on the scene of a fatal accident involving a shuttle bus and a pedestrian, and Scheffler said he thought he was allowed to drive to the course entrance, but there was a big misunderstanding between him and the officer.

According to ESPN Reporter Jeff Darlington, who witnessed the scene, Scheffler attempted to drive around the crash scene and onto the median. An officer instructed him to stop, but he continued driving towards the entrance of the Valhalla Golf Club. In an attempt to stop Scheffler, the officer grabbed onto his vehicle and was dragged a few feet as the car accelerated. Scheffler, confused, immediately stopped and rolled down his window.

Scheffler was arrested on charges of second-degree assault, reckless driving, and ignoring traffic signals. He posted bond and returned to the golf course to play as scheduled. Within two weeks, all charges against Scheffler were dropped, further intensifying the scrutiny on Downs’ misconduct during the incident.

A Fall From Grace

Downs is now entangled in a new legal storm. Downs has been charged with multiple criminal offenses, including allegations of stealing over $4,000 from a suspect during a booking. While the investigation is unrelated to the Scheffler case, it has thrust Downs back into the spotlight as his legal troubles continue to mount. He was charged with theft and misconduct.

End of the Line for Officer Downs

Downs was first placed on emergency suspension with restricted police duties, and LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey has initiated the process to terminate his employment, as noted by LMPD communications director Angela Ingram. In a statement, she emphasized that any accusations of misconduct by officers are handled with the utmost seriousness, stressing the department’s commitment to accountability and conducting swift, thorough investigations for the benefit of all involved.

As the saga continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the officer’s career has taken an unexpected and irreversible downturn, highlighting how quickly one can go from enforcing the law to breaking it.

References: Louisville police officer at Scottie Scheffler’s arrest charged with theft, misconduct | LMPD officer at the scene of Scottie Scheffler’s arrest charged with theft, misconduct | Scottie Scheffler arrested before PGA Championship Round 2