KEY POINTS
- Body camera footage captured the moment deputies arrested Tiger Woods following a rollover crash.
- The golfer appeared shocked by the handcuffs and admitted to taking prescription painkillers.
- A Florida judge recently allowed Woods to enter an out-of-state intensive treatment program.
Martin County officials have released police body camera footage from the recent arrest of professional golfer Tiger Woods. The video provides a detailed look at the interaction between the athlete and law enforcement after his vehicle overturned. The incident occurred on Jupiter Island last week when Woods clipped a trailer while attempting to pass another vehicle.
In the footage, a deputy informs the fifteen-time major champion that he is being placed under arrest. Woods reacts with visible surprise when he realizes he is being taken into custody for driving under the influence. The arresting officer stated that his physical faculties appeared significantly impaired by an unknown substance at the scene.
Deputies reportedly discovered prescription pills in the pocket of the 50-year-old golfer during a search. Woods identified the medication as a painkiller before authorities later confirmed the substance was hydrocodone. Although a breathalyzer test showed no signs of alcohol, the arrest report cited several physical indicators of impairment.
The report described Woods as sweating heavily with lethargic movements and bloodshot eyes during the roadside assessment. Officers also noted that he struggled to maintain his balance and was limping significantly during sobriety exercises. Woods attributed his lack of focus to a distraction involving his mobile phone and the car radio.
The release of this video follows a recent court ruling regarding the golfer‘s upcoming legal proceedings. A Florida judge granted a motion allowing Woods to travel outside the United States for medical reasons. His legal team argued that he requires a specialized and private inpatient treatment facility to address his health.
Woods has formally entered a written plea of not guilty to the misdemeanor charges. His attorneys cited a need for an intensive and medically integrated program away from intense public scrutiny. The judge approved this request to ensure the golfer receives the necessary professional care before his trial.
The accident involved a Land Rover SUV that rolled onto its side after striking a stationary trailer. While the vehicle sustained significant damage, no major injuries were reported for Woods or the other driver. This incident marks the third time the golf superstar has faced legal or physical consequences from a car crash.
Authorities noted that Woods was cooperative during the investigation despite his apparent confusion over the arrest. He also mentioned during the encounter that he had been communicating with the president shortly before the crash. Law enforcement processed him through the local jail system where he remained for eight hours before posting bail.
