Tiger Woods Involved in DUI Incident Following Collision
In a troubling incident, Tiger Woods reportedly informed a Florida sheriff’s deputy that he was distracted by his cell phone moments before his vehicle became trapped against the rear of a tractor-trailer during a rollover crash last Friday. Authorities noted that the golfer exhibited “signs of impairment” and had opioid painkillers in his possession, as stated in an incident report.
Details of the Collision
Woods, 50, was arrested on Jupiter Island and charged with driving under the influence after his truck collided with the back of a tractor-trailer as it was entering a driveway. The truck’s driver, identified as Jeromy Bullard, described Woods as traveling at a “high rate of speed” before the collision occurred immediately after beginning to turn.
Events Leading to the Incident
Witnesses indicated that Woods’ Land Rover narrowly passed the truck moments before attempts to evade a collision resulted in the vehicle striking the trailer. Video footage from the scene captured the golfer’s SUV overturned on its side.
Behavior Observed by Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officials reported that Woods managed to exit his vehicle through the window and was subsequently arrested at the scene. The incident report disclosed that Bullard, the truck driver, operates a local house cleaning business and did not provide immediate comments following the accident.
Impact on the Truck and Evaluation of Woods
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the truck sustained approximately $5,000 in damage to its left rear fender and wheels. Woods claimed he was unaware of the truck’s deceleration, attributing his lack of attention to his cell phone use prior to the crash.
Signs of Impairment and Medical Background
The deputy at the scene observed several indicators of impairment during interactions with Woods, prompting another officer to conduct a DUI investigation. The report described Woods’ eyes as “bloodshot and glassy,” with dilated pupils, and noted that he appeared lethargic and excessively sweaty while seated in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Field Sobriety Tests and Discovery of Prescription Medication
Woods faced challenges while performing field sobriety tests, including noticeable limping and stumbling. He informed deputies that he had undergone multiple surgeries on his back and legs, which explained his difficulty in walking. Although Woods denied consuming alcohol, he acknowledged taking “a few pills” earlier that morning, which were later identified as hydrocodone.
Previous Legal Troubles
This incident marks the latest in a series of legal issues for Woods, who previously faced DUI charges in Florida in 2017 after another accident, leading him to seek treatment for prescription medication. In 2021, Woods was involved in a serious accident when his vehicle struck a tree in California. Authorities noted he was traveling at speeds significantly exceeding the limit, yet no impairment was detected, and no charges were filed in that case.
