JUPITER ISLAND, Fla. (CBS12) — Newly released video on Thursday provides a clearer picture of the events that led to Tiger Woods’ suspected DUI arrest following a rollover crash on Jupiter Island.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office released body-worn camera footage from deputies who responded to the March 27 crash on South Beach Road. Investigators say Woods attempted to pass a pickup truck towing a trailer, crossed over double solid lines, and struck the trailer, causing his SUV to flip onto its side.
According to a recently released probable cause affidavit, deputies reported multiple signs of impairment at the scene, including bloodshot and glassy eyes, dilated pupils, and lethargic movements. The affidavit states that two pills later identified as hydrocodone were found loose in Woods’ pants pocket during his arrest.
Woods told deputies he takes prescription medications and said he was looking down at his phone and adjusting the radio before the crash.
In the newly released bodycam video, Woods can be heard telling the MCSO deputy,
I looked down at my phone and all of a sudden…BOOM.”
Moments later, deputies can be heard assessing the situation.
“He’s okay. I just checked his back,” one deputy says, while another asks who caused the crash. A witness responds, “He hit the truck.”
Additional footage captures deputies speaking among themselves about Woods’ condition.
“Seeing signs of impairment looks like it might be more pills than alcohol,” a deputy says.
In multiple clips, Woods repeats a similar explanation — saying he was looking down at his phone and adjusting the radio just before impact.
Woods is seen walking with a noticeable limp and tells deputies he has undergone “seven back surgeries” and “twenty-something” procedures on his leg.
Bodycam video also captures portions of field sobriety exercises, where deputies repeatedly remind Woods to follow instructions, including keeping his head still during an eye examination.
When asked about alcohol, Woods says he had none. He does acknowledge taking medications, though portions of that exchange are redacted in the video. A breath test later showed no alcohol in his system.
At one point, a deputy informs Woods he is under arrest.
“At this time I do believe your normal faculties are impaired you’re under arrest for DUI,” the deputy says.
“You’re going to arrest me?” Woods responds.
“Yes sir.”
During a search, deputies recover two white pills from Woods’ pocket. In the video, Woods identifies them as “Norco,” a brand name for hydrocodone.
Woods submitted to a breathalyzer test that showed no alcohol in his system but refused a urine test, leading to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
See also: Timeline of Tiger Woods’ most consequential public moments; from controversy to comebacks
Other clips show the interior of Woods’ vehicle following the crash, with airbags deployed and personal items scattered inside.
Footage from inside a patrol vehicle shows Woods seated in the back seat with his head tilted back and eyes closed. During transport, he appears sweaty and can be heard hiccupping intermittently — consistent with details noted in the arrest report.
The video release comes as Woods has been granted court permission to leave the United States to enter an overseas inpatient treatment program. A Martin County judge approved the request Wednesday, with prosecutors not opposing the motion.
In addition to over eight hours of law enforcement footage, also entered in Martin County court records was Woods’ traffic citation.
Woods was cited for reckless driving following a traffic stop in Martin County on March 27, according to a Florida Highway Patrol citation. The civil infraction, which does not require a court appearance if resolved within 30 days, carries a $163 fine.
Woods has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the case remains pending.
