Related videos:
Tiger Woods was formally charged this Tuesday with driving under influence of substances (DUI) and for refusing to submit to a chemical or physical test, according to court documents filed in Martin County, Florida, and reviewed by NBC Miami.
The accident occurred on March 27 on South Beach Road, near Hobe Sound Beach, in Jupiter Island, when Woods attempted to overtake a high-speed pressure cleaning truck, .
The Martin County sheriff, John Budensiek, explained that Woods crossed solid double lines while attempting the maneuver, and that the golfer was able to exit through the passenger door without serious injuries. The truck driver was also not injured.
When the authorities arrived at the scene, Woods showed clear signs of deterioration. Agent Tatiana Levenar noted in the arrest report that Woods's normal faculties are impaired and that "he is under an unknown substance."
A breath test did not detect alcohol, but Woods refused to provide a urine sample. Upon being searched, two hydrocodone pills with identifying marks were found in his pants pocket.
When asked about alcohol consumption, Woods responded, "I didn’t drink anything," and when asked about prescription medications, he said, "I take some."
The bodycam video of the officers, released on April 2, showed the golfer finishing a phone call as the officer approached and saying to him: He was also heard asking, surprised, "Am I being arrested?" when informed of his detention.
Woods told authorities that he when he did not see the truck stop to turn. He was arrested shortly after 3 p.m. on March 27 and released on a $1,150 bond that same night.
On April 4, an additional charge of reckless driving was added, for which he was fined 163 dollars.
Woods pleaded not guilty, waived the formal reading of charges, and requested a jury trial. His lawyer is Jason F. Fagnano from Jupiter.
A judge also approved the golfer's request to seek treatment outside the United States, arguing that the specialized care he needs is not available in the country and that his privacy has been repeatedly compromised.
Hours after pleading not guilty, Woods posted on social media: "This is necessary to ."
This is the fourth car accident in Woods' career and his second DUI arrest in Florida.
In May 2017, he was arrested in Jupiter after being found asleep at the wheel with five medications in his system —including Vicodin, Xanax, and Ambien— although the breathalyzer test registered zero.
In that case, he pleaded guilty to reckless driving as part of a plea agreement and avoided a criminal conviction. In February 2021, he suffered a serious accident in Los Angeles that shattered his right leg and ankle, even considering amputation.
Woods, 50 years old, underwent his seventh back surgery in October 2025 and had recently returned to competition at the TGL golf simulator league finals, just days before the accident in March.
Your arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 23, with a record review set for May 5 before Judge Darren Steele.
Filed under: