Professional golfer Tiger Woods was arrested Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence following a vehicle rollover crash on Jupiter Island, Florida, according to local authorities.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said Woods was driving his Land Rover at "high speed" on a residential road with a 30 mph speed limit when he attempted to pass a pressure cleaner truck. The vehicle clipped the back end of the truck's trailer and rolled onto its side.
"He did exemplify signs of an impairment," Budensiek told reporters, adding that investigators believe Woods had taken "some type of medication or drug." The sheriff said Woods was able to crawl out through the passenger side and was not injured in the crash.
Woods agreed to a breathalyzer test that showed no signs of alcohol consumption but refused a urine test, leading to his arrest. Under Florida law, he must spend eight hours in jail before posting bail.
The incident occurred just before 2 p.m. local time, not far from Woods' residence on Jupiter Island. Sheriff Budensiek said the golfer was "co-operative, but he's not trying to incriminate himself."
Second DUI Arrest for Woods
This marks the second time Woods has been arrested for impaired driving not involving alcohol. In 2017, authorities found him asleep behind the wheel of his damaged vehicle with the engine running. Woods later said he had taken a harmful mix of painkillers and pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his first term, commented on the arrest when he arrived in Miami Friday afternoon.
"I feel so badly. He's got some difficulty," Trump said. "Very close friend of mine. He's an amazing person. Amazing man. But, some difficulty."
History of Vehicle Incidents
This represents at least the third vehicle crash involving Woods. In February 2021, his SUV ran off a coastal road in Los Angeles at high speed, resulting in multiple leg and ankle injuries. Woods later revealed that doctors had considered amputation following that accident.
Woods' manager at Excel Sports did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Friday's incident.
The Martin County Sheriff's Office released images from the crash scene showing the overturned Land Rover. Budensiek emphasized that his office "will follow the law regardless of who has been accused of a crime" but noted that Woods was being held separately from other inmates for his protection.
This article is based on reporting by CBC World. Read the original story here.