Tiger Woods was looking at phone, showed ‘signs of impairment’ at the time of rollover, police say
Tiger Woods Was Looking at Phone, Showed ‘Signs of Impairment’ at Time of Rollover, Police Say
According to a Florida sheriff’s report, Tiger Woods was using his mobile phone and displayed indications of being impaired when he crashed his vehicle on Friday. The incident, which involved a rollover, led to his arrest on charges of driving under the influence, as authorities stated he struck a trailer while a truck was turning into a driveway on Jupiter Island.
Collision Details and Driver’s Account
A truck driver informed law enforcement that he began to make the turn when he glanced in his rearview mirror and noticed Woods approaching at high speed. The Land Rover overtook the vehicle at the last moment, attempted to swerve, but ultimately collided with the trailer, as described by officials. A video of the scene captured the golfer’s SUV flipped onto its side, with Woods exiting through a window before being detained at the location.
“I’d love to talk about it, but I can’t,” said Ricky Bullard, the father of Jeromy Bullard, who owns the truck involved in the crash. “I think everything’s OK.”
Impairment Signs and Medical Context
During the encounter, the deputy noted several signs of impairment, prompting a request for a second officer to investigate for DUI. Woods exhibited bloodshot eyes and a glassy appearance, with pupils described as “extremely dilated.” His movements were observed as lethargic and slow, and he was sweating profusely despite being in an air-conditioned car. The report also mentions Woods struggled with field sobriety tests, including a wobbly gait during one exercise.
Woods claimed he had looked down at his phone and was unaware the truck had decelerated. He stated he was returning from his residence. His attorney, Douglas Duncan, noted Woods waived an arraignment and entered a not guilty plea. The incident report revealed two white pills, identified as hydrocodone, were found in his pocket. Hydrocodone is a pain-relief medication.
Previous Legal Incidents
Woods had faced legal issues in 2017 when he was arrested for DUI in Florida. Following that incident, he voluntarily entered a clinic for treatment related to his prescription medication use. In 2021, he was involved in another crash in California where his vehicle hit a tree and flipped. Although authorities claimed he was driving at least double the speed limit in a 45 mph zone, they noted no signs of impairment at the time, resulting in no charges being filed.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office reported approximately $5,000 in damage to the rear left fender and wheel of the trailer. Jeromy Bullard, who owns the truck, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Woods submitted to a breath test at the jail but declined a urine test. He was seen leaving the facility later that day.
Contributing Factors
Woods mentioned undergoing multiple back and leg surgeries and that his ankle occasionally locks when walking. While he denied consuming alcohol, he acknowledged taking several prescription medications earlier that morning. The report highlights the presence of hydrocodone pills in his possession as a potential factor in the crash.
Minyvonne Burke, a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News, and Matt Lavietes, an NBC News reporter, contributed to the coverage. George Solis is a national correspondent with NBC News.
