Authorities have released body camera footage showing golfer Tiger Woods being handcuffed after a car crash in Florida that led to his arrest on driving under the influence (DUI) charges. The video provides new insight into Woods’ behavior during the incident and his interactions with Martin County deputies on March 27.
Details of the Crash and Arrest
The crash occurred on Jupiter Island, Florida, when Woods’ Land Rover clipped a trailer attached to a pickup truck, causing the vehicle to roll onto its side. Woods, 50, exited the vehicle through the passenger side door since the driver’s side was obstructed. No one was injured in the collision.
Deputies reported that Woods was driving behind the pickup truck and failed to react when it slowed to turn into a driveway. His SUV crossed over double yellow lines before hitting the trailer and rolling over. Woods admitted to officers that he had been looking at his phone prior to the crash. “I looked down at my phone and all of a sudden, boom,” he said on the video.
Woods’ Condition and Sobriety Tests
When deputies arrived, they observed Woods sweating heavily with bloodshot and glassy eyes, though he initially concealed them behind sunglasses. Woods told officers he had not consumed alcohol but had taken prescription medications, including hydrocodone (Norco), several of which were found in his pockets during the arrest.
Woods explained to deputies that he had undergone multiple surgeries—seven on his back and over 20 on his right leg—and that his ankle sometimes seizes when walking, reportedly affecting his mobility. While Woods agreed to field sobriety tests, intended to assess coordination and instruction-following ability, he did not complete all tasks correctly. His movements were described as slow and lethargic, despite appearing alert.
Legal Proceedings and Follow-Up
After being handcuffed on scene, Woods was transported to Martin County Jail. There, he consented to a breathalyzer test, which showed no presence of alcohol, but refused a urine test, resulting in additional charges. His attorneys filed court documents confirming Woods has pleaded not guilty and waived his arraignment.
In a statement shared on social media, Woods said he would be “stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment.”
Why it matters
The release of the body camera footage sheds light on the circumstances surrounding a high-profile DUI arrest involving a widely recognized athlete. It highlights issues of prescription medication use in driving incidents and raises public awareness about law enforcement procedures during DUI investigations. Woods’ case will likely influence discussions about driver safety and prescription medication impairment.
Background
Tiger Woods, one of the most celebrated golfers in history, has previously faced challenges related to physical injuries and surgeries, which he referenced during the sobriety evaluation. The March 27 crash brought renewed attention to his health and legal situation, following his recovery from multiple surgeries and public scrutiny over his personal well-being.
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