US golf star Tiger Woods has been released on bail after being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) following a car crash in Florida on Friday evening, local authorities have confirmed.
Woods was arrested at the scene of the crash in which the 50-year-old's Land Rover rolled over after clipping the back of a truck's trailer during an overtaking maneuver on a two-lane road near where Woods lives on Jupiter Island.
Neither Woods nor the truck driver were hurt, but the 15-time golf major winner was described as "lethargic" by police officers.
A breathalyzer test at Martin County Jail found no alcohol in Woods' system, with investigators believing his impairment was drug or medication-related. However, Woods refused a urine test.
In addition to DUI, he was also charged with property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
Tiger Woods car crash: What else do we know?
"The DUI investigators came to the scene and Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment," said Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, adding that officers believed Woods was "impaired on medication."
"He did explain the injuries and surgeries that he’s had and we did take that into account, but they did some in-depth roadside tests. At the Martin County jail, and even on scene, we were really not suspicious of alcohol being involved in this case and that proved to be true," Budensiek said.
"Mr Woods did a breathalyzer test with triple zeros, but when it came time for us to ask for a urinary analysis test, he refused," he added.
In accordance with Florida law, Woods remained in custody for eight hours before being released on bond.
Woods' history of car accidents
Friday's incident marks at least the third time Woods has been involved in a car crash in recent years.
On February 23, 2021, his car veered off a coastal road in Los Angeles, causing multiple leg and ankle injuries. Woods later said he nearly lost his legs.
In 2017, he also faced a DUI-related charge. Woods initially said he had taken a bad mix of painkillers, but later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
This latest accident comes after Woods returned to competitive action for the first time in over a year at an indoor event on Tuesday.
Woods had said afterwards that he hoped to be fit enough to play at the Masters next month — one of golf's most prestigious competitions.
US President — and keen golfer — Donald Trump has also commented on Woods' latest crash.
"There was an accident, that's all I know," he told reporters. "I feel so badly. He's got some difficulty. He's a very close friend of mine, he's an amazing person, an amazing man."
Following a 2009 crash outside his own home and subsequent revelations about his private life, Woods admitted to numerous extramarital affairs.
Courtesy: DW
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