Summary: A probable cause affidavit obtained by authorities says Tiger Woods told law enforcement he was looking at his cell phone and changing the radio station and did not see the vehicle ahead slow before his SUV rolled over on a two-lane road near his Jupiter Island home. Officers reported discovering two hydrocodone pills on Woods and described physical signs they associated with impairment. He was arrested on a driving under the influence charge and later released on bail.
According to the affidavit, when deputies questioned the 50-year-old golfer about any prescription medication he was taking, he replied, "I take a few," and added he had taken them earlier in the morning. The report records that officers found two hydrocodone pills in his pocket.
Law enforcement described their observations of his condition, noting that he appeared lethargic, slow in his movements, and was "sweating profusely." They wrote that his eyes were bloodshot and glassy, and that his pupils were "extremely dilated." The officer also recorded that Woods was "extremely alert and talkative" during the investigation and experienced hiccups throughout.
When asked about the circumstances of the collision, the deputy wrote that Woods said he had been looking at his cell phone and adjusting the radio station, which prevented him from seeing the truck ahead that had slowed down. The officer also observed Woods "limping and stumbling," and the golfer told the deputy he had undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his leg.
Woods, a 15-time major champion and widely regarded as the preeminent golfer of his generation, was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence after his Land Rover rolled over last Friday afternoon. He was released on bail later that night. The affidavit notes that no one was injured in the crash.
The report includes a description of a deputy administering field sobriety evaluations. Based on the deputy's training, the affidavit quotes him as saying, "I believed that Woods normal faculties were impaired, and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle." The affidavit also records Woods telling officers that he has a limp and that his ankle sometimes seizes while walking.
The probable cause affidavit was obtained on Tuesday and includes the deputy's observations and Woods' statements as described above. Woods' manager did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding details contained in the affidavit.
Contextual notes contained in the affidavit:
- Officers found two hydrocodone pills on Woods' person.
- Woods told deputies he had been looking at his cellphone and changing the radio station prior to the collision.
- Law enforcement described physical signs including lethargy, profuse sweating, bloodshot and glassy eyes, and extremely dilated pupils.
- The deputy administering field sobriety tests reported concluding Woods' faculties were impaired and that he was unable to safely operate the vehicle.
The affidavit presents the statements and observations recorded by law enforcement and does not include new medical determinations beyond what officers noted during the investigation.