Authorities have released details from the police report concerning Tiger Woods' recent single-vehicle accident in Florida last week. The report, issued by the Martin County Sheriff's Office chief deputy on Tuesday, detailed observations made by officers at the scene of the crash.
Observations at the Accident Scene
Physical Signs of Impairment
Officers noted that Tiger Woods' eyes appeared bloodshot and glassy, with visibly dilated pupils when they interviewed him. His movements were described as slow and lethargic, and he was sweating while speaking to the responding agents.
Medication Found and Admitted Use
During the interaction, Woods informed officers that he had taken prescription medication earlier that morning. Furthermore, agents discovered two white pills in his pocket, which were later identified as hydrocodone, an opioid used for pain management.
When directly questioned by an officer about taking prescription drugs, Woods reportedly responded, “I take some.”
Details of the Collision
Cause and Vehicle Damage
Woods told officers he had been looking at his phone and adjusting the radio immediately before his Land Rover grazed the truck in front of it last Friday. The police report indicated that Woods was traveling at “high speeds” on a residential beachfront road in Jupiter Island when the collision occurred, causing his vehicle to overturn onto its side.
The truck involved in the incident sustained approximately $5,000 in damages, according to the sheriff’s office report. The driver of the truck, along with another individual, assisted Woods in exiting his vehicle, which required him to climb out of the passenger side.
Sobriety Testing and Medical History
Neither Woods nor the truck driver sustained injuries in the crash. During a field sobriety test, officers observed Woods limping and noted he was wearing a compression sleeve over his right knee.
Woods explained his gait issues by stating he has undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 leg operations, causing his ankle to lock up when walking. During the questioning, Woods experienced hiccups and repeatedly moved his head during one sobriety test, requiring officers to instruct him multiple times to keep his head still.
Officer Assessment and Refusal of Further Testing
The reporting officer concluded based on observations and training that Woods’ “normal faculties were impaired” and that he could not safely operate a motor vehicle. Woods consented to a breathalyzer test, which showed no indication of alcohol presence.
However, authorities stated that Woods declined to submit to a urine test. He was subsequently arrested and released on bond eight hours later.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Tiger Woods faces charges including driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He is scheduled to appear for a plea hearing on April 23.
Under a Florida law change implemented last year, refusing a request from law enforcement for a breath, blood, or urine test constitutes a misdemeanor, even for a first offense. Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg of Excel Sports, has not provided comment, nor have representatives from the PGA Tour.
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