Tiger Woods car crash: Golfer charged with drunk driving

Sheriff Budencik told reporters at a news conference that the crash occurred after Woods allegedly tried to pass a high-pressure cleaning truck at “a high rate of speed.”

DUI investigators came to the scene and “Mr. Woods did show signs of mental impairment,” the sheriff said.

“They tested him several times,” Budencik told reporters. “He did explain the injuries and surgeries he had and we did take that into account, but they did some in-depth roadside testing.”

He was arrested after the incident occurred on Jupiter Island Beach Road just before 14:00 local time on Friday (approximately 19:00 GMT).

The sheriff explained that investigators at the scene and at the jail “did not suspect alcohol was involved,” and Woods ultimately passed a breathalyzer test with a “three zero.” But, he added, Woods subsequently refused to take a urine test.

Budencik also said Woods had been “cooperative but trying not to get himself implicated.”

“He had the right to refuse the test,” the sheriff added. “There is a statute that states he will be charged for refusing to take this test, but we will never get a clear result as to what impairment he suffered at the time of the accident.”

U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday when asked about the crash: “I feel really bad. (Woods) had some difficulty. There was an accident. That’s all I know.”

“He’s a very close friend of mine, he’s a great guy, a wonderful person.”

Sheriff Budencik said Woods will remain in jail for eight hours and then be released on bail. The charges are misdemeanors, not felonies.

The BBC has contacted the golfer’s representatives for comment.