Tiger Woods' Florida DUI arrest and crash after looking at phone and changing radio
Consensus Summary
Tiger Woods was arrested in Florida on 29 March 2024 after a rollover crash near Jupiter Island where he clipped a truck while allegedly distracted by his phone and radio. Authorities found hydrocodone pills in his pocket and observed signs of impairment during field sobriety tests, though a breath test showed no alcohol. Woods pleaded not guilty and demanded a jury trial, citing chronic pain from multiple surgeries. Donald Trump commented on Woodsâs injuries, while Woods stepped away from golf to seek treatment. Two sources report conflicting dates for the crash (22 March vs 27 March) and differing damage estimates ($5,000 vs $7,254), with ABC adding that Woods was allowed to leave the US for inpatient care. All sources agree on the core charges, prescription pills, and Woodsâs physical limitations from past surgeries.
â Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Tiger Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) on 29 March 2024 in Martin County, Florida, after a rollover crash near Jupiter Island
- Woods told authorities he was looking down at his phone and changing the radio station before the crash, which occurred on a residential road on Jupiter Island
- Woodsâs Land Rover clipped a truck and rolled onto its side, causing approximately $5,000â$7,254 in damage to the trailer/truck (reported as $5,000 in Guardian, $7,254 in ABC)
- Deputies found two hydrocodone pills (Norco) in Woodsâs pocket at the crash scene, which he identified as prescription opioids
- Woods refused a urine test for drug screening but submitted to a breath test that showed no alcohol in his system
- Woods was charged with DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to testing; he posted $1,150 bail and was held for the mandatory eight hours under Florida law
- Woods pleaded not guilty and demanded a jury trial, with his case scheduled for a hearing on 5 May 2024 (Guardian) or 23 April 2024 (Guardian) for arraignment
- Woods has undergone seven back surgeries and over 20 operations on his leg, with his ankle seizing up while walking
- Donald Trump commented that Woods âlives a life of painâ due to injuries and âdoesnât have an alcohol problem, but he does have painâ
- Woods stepped away from golf âto seek treatment and focus on his healthâ after the crash
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Woods was arrested on Friday afternoon (29 March) at 3:12pm; the crash occurred last week (22 March)
- Deputies observed âseveral signs of impairmentâ including profuse sweating, sluggish movement, bloodshot and glassy eyes, and lethargic speech
- Woods told investigators he had taken âa fewâ prescription medications including Vicodin, blood pressure, and cholesterol meds
- Woods was taken to a local hospital for medical clearance before being transported to jail and declined medical treatment
- Woods waived his 23 April arraignment hearing and entered a plea of not guilty with a jury trial demand on 23 April
- Trump said he had spoken with Woods since the incident, noting Woodsâs âtremendous physical pressureâ from injuries
- Woods was granted a request by a Florida judge on 28 March to leave the US for inpatient treatment (not mentioned in Guardian)
- The crash occurred on 27 March (ABC) rather than 22 March (Guardian)
- Woods was hiccuping during questioning and had to be told to keep his head still multiple times
- The truck driver reported no injuries, and Woods climbed out through the passenger side due to the rollover
- Woodsâs case is due back in court on 5 May for readiness assessment (ABC) while Guardian states 23 April for arraignment
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Guardian reports Woods was arrested on 29 March at 3:12pm, but ABC states the crash occurred on 27 March
- Guardian says Woods waived his 23 April arraignment and demanded a jury trial on 23 April, while ABC reports the next hearing is on 5 May for readiness
- Guardian states the crash caused $5,000 in damage, but ABC reports $7,254 in damage to the truck
- Guardian mentions Woods was taken to a hospital for medical clearance before jail, but ABC does not detail this step
- ABC reports Woods was granted permission to leave the US for treatment on 28 March, which is not mentioned in Guardian
Source Articles
Tiger Woods had opioid pills in pocket at crash scene, police say
A sheriff's office report says golfer Tiger Woods had hydrocodone opioid pills in his pocket when interviewed at the scene of his car crash in Florida last week....
Police release body cam footage showing Tiger Woods stunned over arrest
Body camera footage shows Tiger Woods expressing astonishment as he was handcuffed after crashing his SUV last week in Florida....
Bodycam footage shows Tiger Woodsâs shock after crash: âIâm being arrested?â
Golfer has pled not guilty to DUI charges Hydrocodone pills found in pocket after arrest Bodycam footage of Tiger Woodsâs arrest for DUI shows the golfer looking surprised when he was handcuffed by po...
Tiger Woods says looking at his phone led to Florida rollover crash
Deputies cite signs of impairment in affidavit Hydrocodone pills found in pocket after arrest Woods waives arraignment, demands jury trial Tiger Woods told authorities he was looking down at his phone...