Tiger Woods was looking at phone, showed ‘signs of impairment’ at the time of rollover, police say
Tiger Woods Showed Impairment Signs Before Rollover Crash, Says Florida Police
Authorities in Florida have reported that Tiger Woods was observed by a sheriff’s deputy displaying “multiple signs of impairment” at the moment of a rollover accident on Friday, which occurred on Jupiter Island. The incident report indicated that Woods had opioid pain pills in his possession, and he was later arrested on charges of driving under the influence.
According to the report, Woods struck the back of a trailer while a truck was attempting to turn into a driveway. The truck driver informed officials he began the maneuver when he noticed Woods’ vehicle moving at “high speeds” through his rearview mirror. Officials stated that Woods’ Land Rover overtook the truck in a last-minute attempt to avoid a collision, only to hit the trailer.
“I’d love to talk about it, but I can’t,” said Ricky Bullard, father of Jeromy Bullard, whose truck was damaged. The 43-year-old owner of a local home cleaning business reported no hospitalization or serious injuries for his son, though he remained noncommittal about further details.
Video footage from the scene captured Woods’ SUV lying sideways. He exited the vehicle through a window and was apprehended at the location. The incident report revealed that the trailer sustained approximately $5,000 in damage, specifically to its rear left fender and wheel.
During the encounter, Woods admitted to looking down at his phone and not recognizing that the truck had slowed. He described his route as coming from his residence. The deputy noted “bloodshot and glassy” eyes, “extremely dilated” pupils, and “lethargic” movements, even as he sat in an air-conditioned car. Woods also appeared “sweating profusely” and struggled with a field sobriety test, including a clumsy movement to the right.
He disclosed that he had undergone multiple surgeries on his back and leg, and that his ankle causes him to limp while walking. While he denied drinking alcohol, he confirmed taking a few prescription pills earlier that morning. Two white pills identified as hydrocodone were found in his left pocket, used for pain relief.
Woods submitted to a breath test at the jail but declined a urine test. He was seen leaving the facility late Friday night. This marks the second time he has faced legal issues related to impaired driving; in 2017, he was arrested for DUI in Florida and checked into a clinic for medication. In 2021, he was involved in a crash in California where his car hit a tree and flipped, though no impairment was detected at that time, and no charges were filed.
Contributors
Minyvonne Burke, a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News, and Matt Lavietes, an NBC News reporter, contributed to this report. George Solis serves as a national correspondent for NBC News.