Detective Bryan Gillis breaks silence after charges dropped in Scottie Scheffler arrest saga

Bryan Gillis gives his statement following the dropping of charges against Scottie Scheffler

PS. He’s not happy with Steve Romines, holds no grudges against Scottie Scheffler, but does need a new pair of pants.

Bryan Gillis, the Louisville Police Detective who arrested Scottie Scheffler, the red-hot favorite for the PGA Championship on Friday, May 17 has spoken out on the Valhalla drama that unfolded in the aftermath of the tragic loss of John Mills earlier that morning.

On Wednesday, Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell told the court that “based on the totality of the evidence my office cannot move forward in the prosecution of the charges filed against Mr. Scheffler.”

The statement corroborated Scheffler’s claims that failing to stop his vehicle when law enforcement asked was simply a “big misunderstanding.” The four charges faced by the World No.1 including second-degree assault of a police officer have subsequently been dropped.

Now, in what feels like the final chapter in the Scheffler saga, the story’s other protagonist has had his say, and it feels like an appropriate sign-off to one of sport’s most bizarre days.

Detective Bryan Gillis’ short statement opened by acknowledging the “tragic incident” that occurred earlier on the morning in question before reiterating that “ensuring the safety of everyone in the vicinity was his utmost priority” immediately following the fatal collision involving 69-year-old Mr Mills.

Putting an end to any hard feelings between himself and Scheffler, Gillis said: “Mr. Scheffler and I both agree that there will be no ill will over this going forward. Instead of giving a negative public reaction, he chose to speak with dignity, humility, and respect. My family and I appreciate that.”

As for the allegations by Scheffler’s lawyer Steve Romines that his client could file his own lawsuit for being ‘falsely arrested’… that one appears a little less easy for Gillis to let slide, making it clear he had done enough sliding when being dragged by Scheffler’s car.

Mr Romines went further by stating officers ‘tried to put words’ in his client’s mouth, a statement that Gillis believes brought into question his integrity, crossing the line in his book.

“It was unfortunate and disturbing to hear Steve Romines’ commentary today claiming that a ‘false arrest’ was made and for him to challenge my honesty and integrity, Gillis’ statement continued. 

“To be clear, I was drug by the car, I went to the ground, and I received visible injuries to my knees and wrist. I’m going to recover from it, and it will be ok. This is the extent of my commentary on the incident.”

Not quite though. There was a PS. They’re still a thing in Kentucky apparently.

In a light-hearted farewell before returning to his day job of protecting the good folk of Louisville, Gillis made reference to his $80 pants that were ruined during the altercation.

“PS… Yes, the department has us buying freaking $80 pants. To those concerned, they were indeed ruined, joked Gillis.

“But Scottie, it’s all good. I never would’ve guessed I’d have the most famous pair of pants in the country for a few weeks because of this. Take care and be safe.”

While the whole debacle of Scheffler in an orange jumpsuit just hours before competing has undeniable comedic value, all parties involved will be glad to move forward. Not least the family and loved ones of Mr Mills who both Gillis and Scheffler have offered their condolences.

And with golf’s fraternity also mourning the recent loss of Grayson Murry, Gillis poignantly reminds us, “The reality is that there are more important things in the world right now than going back and forth over this.”

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About the author

Ross Tugwood

Senior Digital Writer

Ross Tugwood is a Senior Digital Writer for todays-golfer.com, specializing in data, analytics, science, and innovation.

Ross is passionate about optimizing sports performance and has a decade of experience working with professional athletes and coaches for British Athletics, the UK Sports Institute, and Team GB.

He is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with post-graduate degrees in Performance Analysis and Sports Journalism, enabling him to critically analyze and review the latest golf equipment and technology to help you make better-informed buying decisions.