Body-cam footage from the sheriff’s department was released Thursday of Tiger Woods’ car wreck and subsequent arrest for suspicion of DUI.
In video from Martin County’s police, Woods is seen with sunglasses and a backwards how, kneeling with his right leg on the ground and the left perched with his arms crossed over it. When the audio comes on, Woods can be heard explaining, in his estimation, how the accident occurred. “I looked down at my phone, and all of the sudden, boom,” Woods tells an officer.
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Woods cooperates as the officer searches his back for anything on Woods’ person, with the officer telling Woods a medical team will check him out.
Woods is later asked if he’s been drinking, which he says no. He later says he’s on medication, his answers which are muted. When audio comes back, an officer asks if Woods has taken all the medication he has just listed that day, to which Woods responds “yes.” He is then administered several exercises, afterwards Woods is told by the officer that she believes his facilities are impaired, to which Woods’ responds “I am being arrested?”
He is then cuffed and arrested as officers search his pockets, in which pills and a case of nicotine-free pouches are found.
According to the arrest affidavit, Woods was found carrying two hydrocodone pills in his left pants pocket at the scene. The deputy noted several impairment indicators: profuse sweating despite cool temperatures, bloodshot and glassy eyes with severely dilated pupils, lethargic and slow movements, and persistent hiccups throughout the encounter.
Woods entered a not guilty plea Tuesday to misdemeanour charges of DUI and refusal to submit to a lawful test. That same day, he issued a public statement acknowledging the situation.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritise my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. I’m committed to taking the time needed to return to a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally.”
On Wednesday a judge granted Woods permission to leave the United States to seek treatment at an international inpatient facility. Woods’ attorney had argued an “urgent need for a level of care that cannot safely or effectively be done within the United States” given that Woods’ privacy had been repeatedly compromised.
“Ongoing medical scrutiny and public exposure create significant barriers to his care,” Duncan wrote, “and would result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment.”
Woods will not be at next week’s Masters, and the PGA of America has said Woods has stepped down from consideration for the 2027 Ryder Cup captaincy.
