Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest details: Says phone distraction led to crash, found with hydrocodone

Tiger Woods told local police that he looked down at his cellphone and was changing the radio station in his vehicle before clipping a pickup truck and causing his car to roll over on Friday.

In the arrest affidavit released on Tuesday morning by Martin County Sheriff’s Office, officers describe Woods’ “lethargic” condition at the time of the crash and reported that the golfer had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket.

Woods, 50, was subsequently charged with driving under the influence, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful urinalysis test.

According to Sheriff Deputy Tatiana Levenar’s report, Woods was “sweating profusely” while being questioned in the back seat of a vehicle that had “cool air flowing.” That is when Woods stated that he was driving from his residence in Jupiter, Fla., and did not realize the vehicle in front of him had slowed because he was looking down at his cellphone.

Levenar and another officer, who was also on scene, observed “several signs of impairment” while speaking to Woods.

Woods then underwent a criminal DUI investigation in which he had to perform field sobriety exercises. Woods was asked if he had any medical conditions, to which he replied that he had undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his leg. He was wearing a compression sleeve over his right knee.

“Woods’ movement was lethargic and slow,” the report read. “While walking, I observed Woods limping and stumbling to the right … I asked Woods if he was able to perform tasks such as walking and lifting his leg, Woods advised he has a limp and his ankle seizes while walking.”

When Woods removed his sunglasses and hat, the officers reported that the golfer had bloodshot, glassy eyes. He told officers that he had not consumed any alcohol, which was consistent with the results of his breathalyzer test. Woods was then asked if he takes prescription medication.

“I take a few,” Woods replied.

Woods said that he takes medication, but the condition for which it is prescribed, as well as the name of the medication, was redacted. He also stated that he takes ibuprofen.

“Woods advised he took his prescription medication earlier in the morning. While speaking to Woods, I observed him to be extremely alert and talkative. Woods had hiccups during the entire investigation,” the affidavit read.

During sobriety exercises, Woods complied and appeared alert but had to be continually reminded of instructions. “I believed that Woods’ normal faculties were impaired, and he was unable to safely operate a motor vehicle,” the affidavit stated.

At that point, Woods was arrested and searched, where two white pills were found inside his left pants pocket. They were identified through marks and submitted as evidence.

Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid taken by mouth and used as a painkiller. It’s often called the discontinued brand name, Vicodin.

When Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in May 2017, as he was found asleep at the wheel on the side of the road, the toxicology report found hydrocodone in addition to four other drugs. Shortly after the 2017 incident, Woods checked into a clinic for help with prescription drugs and completed the treatment that summer.

It is unclear what exact substances Woods had in his system at the time of Friday’s crash. Since Woods refused a urinalysis, a full report will not be available as part of the investigation. Woods’ first court date will be on April 23.

According to the report, the crash occurred when a Ford F-150 towing a trailer slowed to turn right into a driveway. Woods, driving a black Range Rover, continued driving into oncoming traffic as it attempted to maneuver around the truck. The front right bumper of Woods’ car collided with the back left of the trailer, and in turn, Woods’ car lost control and flipped on the driver’s side. The driver of the truck, now identified as Jeromy Bullard, told the officer he had his right turn signal on.

Neither driver reported injuries, but Bullard said Woods couldn’t get out of his driver’s side door because the vehicle landed on that side. Bullard said he and an unnamed person went to assist Woods as he climbed out of the passenger side door.