Police say Tiger Woods’ decision not to cooperate with one “lawful test” means investigators may never be able to say with certainty what led to his rollover crash.
On Friday (27 March), Woods was involved in a traffic incident in Florida. Reports claim the golfer was driving a Land Rover when it struck another vehicle at speed before overturning onto its side at around 2pm local time. Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) and has since been released on bail.
Authorities say they believed Woods showed signs of impairment, so officers carried out a breath test at the scene, which returned a clear result. However, police say Woods declined to provide a urine sample. He was later charged with DUI, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
No injuries were reported. Sheriff Budensiek warned how easily the situation could have turned far more serious, saying: “… Had there been someone moving in the opposite direction, we would not be having a conversation saying there was no injuries. This could’ve been a lot worse.
“He [Woods] was lethargic on scene but that we believe was because of what he was intoxicated on.”
According to police, the refusal to provide a sample leaves a major gap in what they can prove about the circumstances of the crash.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Sheriff Budensiek said: “Our DUI investigators came to the scene here, and Mr Woods did exemplify signs of impairment.
“They did several tests on him. Of course, he did explain the injuries and the surgeries that he had. We did take that into account. But they did do some in-depth roadside tests.
“At the Martin County Jail, and even on scene, we really weren’t suspicious of alcohol being involved in this case.
“And that proved to be true at the jail. So Mr Woods did a breathalyzer test, blew triple zeros. But when it came time for us to ask for a urinalysis test, he refused. And so he’s been charged with DUI, with property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
“He has a right to refuse that test. There is a court of statute which he will be charged with for refusing to take that test, but we will never get definitive results as to what he was impaired on at the time of the crash.”
President Donald Trump also addressed the crash on Friday. Woods is dating Trump’s former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump.
He said: “I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty. There was an accident, and that’s all I know.
“Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person.
“Amazing man. But, some difficulty. I don’t want to talk about it.”