Tiger Woods Exhibited Signs of Impairment with Pills in Pocket at Florida Crash Scene
A newly released sheriff's report has provided disturbing details about Tiger Woods' recent arrest for driving under the influence following a car crash in Florida. The 15-time major golf champion was involved in a rollover accident on Friday, leading to charges that include DUI, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
Sheriff's Report Details Woods' Condition and Actions
According to the Martin County Sheriff's Office report, Woods had two white pills identified as the opioid hydrocodone in his pocket at the scene of the crash. Deputies noted that his eyes were bloodshot, glassy, and his pupils were dilated. Woods appeared sweaty and his movements were described as slow and lethargic when interacting with law enforcement officers.
When questioned about prescription medications, Woods admitted to taking "a few" and confirmed he had consumed prescription drugs earlier that morning. The report indicates Woods was attempting to overtake a truck at high speeds when he clipped the vehicle, causing his Land Rover to roll onto its side on a beachside residential road in Jupiter Island.
Field Sobriety Tests Reveal Additional Concerns
During field sobriety testing, deputies observed Woods limping and wearing a compression sock over his right knee. The golfer explained he had undergone seven back surgeries and over 20 leg operations, noting that his ankle "seizes up" when walking. Woods was also hiccupping during questioning and continuously moved his head during one sobriety test, requiring deputies to repeatedly instruct him to keep his head straight.
The arresting deputy wrote in the report: "Based on my observations of Woods, how he performed the exercises and based on my training, knowledge, and experience, I believed that Woods' normal faculties were impaired, and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle."
Legal Proceedings and Additional Charges
Woods was arrested and released on bail eight hours after the incident. He faces multiple charges including driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test. The truck he struck sustained approximately $5,000 in damage to its pressure cleaner trailer.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek told media shortly after the crash that Woods showed "signs of impairment" following the incident. Neither Woods' representatives nor the PGA Tour, where he serves as a board member and committee chair, have commented on his arrest.
Historical Context and Legal Implications
This marks another serious crash in Woods' history, following a February 2021 accident that left him with significant leg and ankle injuries. Under recently introduced Florida laws, refusing a law enforcement officer's request for breath, blood, or urine testing constitutes a misdemeanor offense, even for first-time offenders.
Woods is scheduled for an arraignment hearing on April 23. The golfer agreed to a breathalyzer test that showed no alcohol in his system but refused a urine test, according to authorities. Both Woods and the other driver involved in the crash reported no injuries from the incident.
