Sheriff Describes Tiger Woods' 'Lethargic' Demeanor Before DUI Arrest, Says He Won't Be in General Population in Jail
Sheriff Describes Tiger Woods' 'Lethargic' Demeanor Before DUI Arrest, Says He Won't Be in General Population in Jail
Ben BrachfeldFri, March 27, 2026 at 10:13 PM UTC
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Tiger Woods in January 2026Credit: Megan Briggs/TGL/TGL Golf via Getty -
Tiger Woods appeared "lethargic" when he was arrested on a DUI charge on March 27, the local sheriff said
The arrest came after Woods allegedly flipped over his Land Rover at a high rate of speed in Jupiter Island, Fla.
Woods is in the Martin County Jail but not in the general population, due to concerns for his safety
Tiger Woods appeared "lethargic" and "did exhibit signs of impairment" when he was arrested on a DUI charge after allegedly flipping over his SUV in Florida, the local sheriff told reporters Friday.
Woods was charged with driving under the influence on March 27 after allegedly flipping his Land Rover onto its side in Jupiter Island, Fla. The golf legend was allegedly driving the SUV at a high rate of speed and trying to overtake a pickup truck pulling a pressure cleaner, but clipped the back of the truck and flipped onto the driver's side.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek told reporters at a press conference that Woods managed to climb out of the vehicle, but nonetheless appeared "lethargic," which the sheriff said he "believe[s] was due to impairment." The sheriff said Woods was not under the influence of alcohol, passing a Breathalyzer test, but refused to take a urinalysis that could test for the presence of other drugs or medications.
Budensiek said authorities believe Woods was impaired by "medication or another substance."
No drugs or alcohol were found in his vehicle, the sheriff said.
Woods was charged with DUI, as well as causing property damage and refusing to submit to the urinalysis test and was taken to the Martin County Jail, where he remained as of Friday afternoon.
Budensiek denied that Woods would be getting any preferential treatment in the local jail.
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"We know we arrested a high-profile figure, but the law applies the same to everyone," said Budensiek. "In jail, we will ensure his safety. He will not be placed in general population where he could be harmed, but he will still face the legal consequences."
It's not clear when he will be arraigned.
Neither Woods nor the driver of the pickup truck was injured.
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Woods, 50, has been hoping to play at The Masters in two weeks, but President Donald Trump told reporters Friday he "won't be playing it."
The 15-time Major champion, one of the most decorated golfers in history, previously was in a rollover crash in 2021 near Los Angeles. He was not charged in that incident, but authorities alleged he was driving at nearly twice the speed limit. He sustained severe leg injuries in the crash, which significant hampered his golf career.
Woods was also initially charged with DUI in 2017 after being found by police asleep in his car in Jupiter Island. He attributed the incident to an unexpected reaction between prescription medications and pleaded guilty to reckless driving. In 2009, he crashed his car into a tree near his home amid a scandal over his marital infidelities and was given a careless driving citation.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
