New York, March 28: Golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested on Friday evening for driving under the influence and involvement in a car accident near his home in Florida. He was released from a Florida jail just hours later.
Reports indicate that the 50-year-old Woods was found slumped in the front seat of a black Cadillac. He was taken out of the Martin County lockup in the same vehicle. This incident occurred approximately eight hours after the car accident in his hometown of Jupiter Island, which led to his arrest.
According to Florida law, Woods was required to spend at least eight hours in jail. Despite police stating that no special leniency would be granted, he was allowed to leave.
Initial reports from the Martin County police suggest that Woods was attempting to overtake a flatbed truck around 2 PM when his Land Rover flipped over. At that time, he appeared to be under the influence of some form of medication or narcotic.
Local authorities noted that Woods exhibited signs of intoxication or impairment after his arrest. The Martin County police released a mugshot of Woods later that evening, showing his eyes appearing red. The multiple-time PGA champion was taken to the Martin County jail in Florida.
Reports indicate that authorities ruled out alcohol as a factor, although Woods refused to undergo a urine test.
Sheriff John Budensiek of Martin County informed reporters that Woods was driving a Land Rover. Just before 2 PM, while attempting to overtake a truck on a narrow two-lane road near his home in Jupiter Island, his vehicle flipped. It collided with a trailer, veered off the road, and came to rest on its side after sliding some distance.
Budensiek stated, “DUI investigators arrived on the scene and noted signs of impairment in Woods. They conducted several tests. He mentioned his injuries and surgeries, which we took into account, but still performed detailed roadside tests. We had little suspicion of alcohol involvement, which was confirmed in jail. However, when we requested a urine test, he declined. Therefore, he was charged with DUI, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test.”
This marks at least the third time Woods has been involved in a car accident. Previously, in February 2021, his SUV lost control on a coastal road in Los Angeles, resulting in severe injuries to his leg and ankle. Following that incident, Woods participated in 11 tournaments but failed to finish within 16 shots of the winner in four of the events where he completed 72 holes.
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