Officer Who Arrested Scottie Scheffler Finds Himself Arrested For Theft And Misconduct
In a surprising turn of events, Officer Javar Downs, the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department (LMPD) officer who previously arrested professional golfer Scottie Scheffler ahead of the second round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, has found himself in legal trouble. Officer Downs was arrested on charges of theft and official misconduct, as reported by the Courier-Journal.
The announcement was made by Angela Ingram, the communications director for LMPD, who provided a statement emphasizing the department’s commitment to accountability and thorough investigations. Ingram asserted, “Allegations of officer malfeasance are taken very seriously. LMPD prioritizes accountability and remains committed to conducting thorough and expedient investigations in the best interests of all parties involved.”
The arrest of Officer Downs is particularly noteworthy given his previous involvement in the controversial arrest of Scottie Scheffler. Back in May, just before the start of Round 2 of the PGA Championship, Scheffler was detained by Officer Downs under circumstances that sparked considerable controversy. The incident drew widespread attention and criticism, largely due to Officer Downs’ failure to activate his body camera during the arrest.
The arrest of Scheffler, who was attempting to reach the clubhouse, was eventually deemed an extreme misunderstanding. Video evidence, witness testimonies, and character references all contributed to the eventual dropping of the charges against Scheffler. It became clear that the golfer was simply trying to fulfill his obligations for the day’s round and was not engaged in any illegal activities.
Despite the eventual resolution of the incident involving Scheffler, Officer Downs faced intense scrutiny for his failure to follow proper protocol by not activating his body camera. This lapse in procedure was particularly significant in the wake of heightened national awareness surrounding police accountability, especially following the tragic death of Breonna Taylor in 2020. The failure to activate body cameras, a practice mandated for all LMPD officers unless the cameras are docked for uploading, was a central point of concern and criticism.
The charges now facing Officer Downs include “theft by unlawfully taking more than $1,000” and “official misconduct.” These charges stem from a civilian complaint that prompted an investigation into Downs’ conduct. The nature of the theft charges suggests that Officer Downs is alleged to have unlawfully taken property exceeding the value of $1,000, while the misconduct charge pertains to his official actions and behavior as a law enforcement officer.
In response to these developments, the Public Integrity Unit of the Louisville Metro Police Department will conduct a detailed investigation into Officer Downs’ actions. This unit is tasked with ensuring that any allegations of misconduct are thoroughly examined and that appropriate actions are taken based on the findings.
The arrest of Officer Downs marks a significant and unsettling moment for the LMPD, especially considering the recent focus on police conduct and accountability. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to determine the full extent of Officer Downs’ alleged misconduct and the impact it may have on the department’s efforts to maintain public trust and integrity.
