Tiger Woods was looking at phone, showed ‘signs of impairment’ at the time of rollover, police say
Tiger Woods Involved in Rollover Accident, Police Report Indicates Impairment
A Florida sheriff’s deputy reported that Tiger Woods claimed he was distracted by his cellphone moments before his vehicle clipped a trailer, leading to a rollover on Friday. The incident report cited by authorities stated that Woods exhibited “signs of impairment” during the event, with opioid pain pills found in his possession.
Accident and Initial Response
Woods, 50, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after his Land Rover struck a trailer while a truck was turning into a driveway on Jupiter Island. The truck driver informed officials he began the turn when he glanced in his mirror and noticed Woods approaching at high speed. According to the report, Woods’ vehicle overtook the truck at the last second, attempted to swerve, but collided with the trailer.
“I’d love to talk about it, but I can’t,” said Ricky Bullard, the father of Jeromy Bullard, who owns the damaged truck. “I think everything’s OK.”
Impairment Signs and Medical Context
During the encounter with law enforcement, the deputy noted several signs of impairment, prompting a DUI investigation. Woods had bloodshot, glassy eyes with “extremely dilated” pupils and displayed lethargic movements despite being in an air-conditioned vehicle. He also sweated profusely and struggled with field sobriety tests, including a clumsy attempt to walk sideways.
Woods mentioned he had undergone multiple back and leg surgeries and that his ankle occasionally seized during movement. He stated he had taken prescription medication earlier that morning but denied consuming alcohol. Two white pills identified as hydrocodone were discovered in his pocket, a pain-relief drug.
Damage Assessment and Testing
The incident report detailed approximately $5,000 in damage to the truck’s rear left fender and wheel. Video footage captured Woods’ SUV flipped onto its side at the scene. He exited the vehicle through a window and was arrested on-site. Later, Woods submitted to a breath test at the jail but refused a urine test.
Previous Legal Incidents
This marks the third time Woods has faced a crash-related incident. In 2017, he was arrested for DUI in Florida and sought treatment for prescription medication. A year later, he sustained serious injuries in a California crash where his car hit a tree and rolled over, though no impairment was noted at the time. Authorities said he was speeding but not charged.
Contributors to the story include Minyvonne Burke, a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News; Matt Lavietes, a reporter for NBC News; and George Solis, a national correspondent with NBC News.