Police Report Sheds Light on Tiger Woods' DUI Arrest Following Car Crash
A newly released police report has provided detailed insights into the circumstances surrounding Tiger Woods' recent arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida. The report, filed by Martin County Sheriff’s deputy Tatiana Levenar, outlines the events that led to the pro golfer's second DUI arrest, marking another off-course setback for the sports icon.
Crash Details and Initial Observations
According to the report, the incident occurred last week on Jupiter Island, Florida, when Woods' Land Rover, traveling at high speeds, clipped the back of a truck and rolled onto its side on a residential road. Woods told the deputy he was looking down at his phone and changing the radio station at the time of the crash. Fortunately, neither Woods nor the truck driver sustained injuries.
After being helped out of the overturned vehicle by the truck driver and another person, Woods was contacted by Deputy Levenar. The interactions that followed led to his arrest on suspicion of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
Evidence of Impairment and Medication
Deputy Levenar reported finding two white pills in Woods' pants pocket during a search after the crash. The pills were identified as hydrocodone, an opioid pain medication that has been central to the U.S. opioid epidemic. Woods has undergone numerous surgeries on his legs and back over the past two decades, including treatments for cartilage damage, ligament issues, a ruptured tendon, arthritis, and damaged discs.
During a field sobriety test, the deputy observed Woods limping and wearing a compression sock over his right knee. He informed her that he takes several prescription medications, including "Vicodin"—a brand name for hydrocodone that was discontinued years ago, though the term is still commonly used for generic versions.
Physical Signs and Sobriety Test Performance
Woods' eyes were described as bloodshot and glassy, with extremely dilated pupils, after he removed his sunglasses. He was sweating profusely and his movements were noted as "lethargic and slow." Despite denying alcohol consumption or illegal substance use, Woods struggled with the sobriety tests, requiring repeated instructions and performing some exercises incorrectly.
Deputy Levenar concluded that, based on her observations and training, Woods' faculties were impaired, rendering him unable to safely operate a vehicle.
Breath Test and Legal Implications
At the jail, Woods agreed to a breath test, which showed no signs of alcohol. However, he declined to submit to a urine test. Under recent changes to Florida law, this refusal can be prosecuted, and legal experts suggest prosecutors can build a DUI case using deputy testimony and video evidence, such as body and car cameras that captured the encounters.
Orlando defense attorney David Hill, who is not involved in Woods' case, noted that while prosecutors can rely on observational evidence, defense attorneys might argue a lack of scientific proof, like lab results, to challenge a conviction.
Previous DUI Incident and Current Context
This arrest echoes Woods' 2017 DUI case, where he pleaded guilty to reckless driving after being found asleep behind the wheel with his engine running, attributing it to a bad mix of painkillers. The latest incident comes as Woods was contemplating participation in the Masters tournament, scheduled to start April 9. He has not competed extensively since the 2024 British Open, following an Achilles tendon rupture in March 2025 and a seventh back surgery in October.
Woods was slated to appear with Masters chairman Fred Ridley at a refurbished municipal course in Augusta, Georgia, where he designed a short course. As a Masters champion, he holds lifetime eligibility and can decide to play up until the morning of the first round, with tee times announced on April 7. Augusta National has not commented on his status, and Woods' team has yet to respond to requests for comment.
The report underscores the ongoing challenges facing Tiger Woods, blending personal health struggles with legal and professional uncertainties in the public eye.
