Crash and roadside interaction
Newly released body camera footage sheds additional light on the moments before and after Tiger Woods was arrested following a rollover crash in Florida on March 27.
Authorities say Woods struck a trailer on Jupiter Island, north of Miami, causing his SUV to flip onto its side. According to an arrest affidavit, Woods told deputies he did not see the vehicle slowing because he was looking at his phone and adjusting the radio.
The video shows Woods kneeling near the roadway as deputies approach. He appears calm and cooperative while explaining that he briefly looked down at his phone before impact.
Field sobriety tests and impairment findings
Footage released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office captures Woods undergoing multiple field sobriety exercises. Deputies appear to focus on a pattern of small missteps rather than a single failed test.
During one vision-based test, Woods moves his head after being instructed to keep it still. In another coordination exercise involving stacking fists, clapping and counting, he miscounts. A deputy later noted in the report that Woods had bloodshot, glassy eyes and “extremely” dilated pupils.
Two white pills were found in Woods’ pocket. According to the affidavit, the pills were identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid used to treat severe pain. Woods told deputies he had not consumed alcohol but had taken prescription medication earlier in the day.
A breath test conducted at the county jail registered 0.000, indicating no alcohol was detected. However, Woods declined to submit to a urine test to determine the presence of controlled substances.
Phone call claim draws attention
Bodycam footage also shows Woods appearing to end a phone call shortly after the crash. He is heard telling deputies he had just been speaking with “the president.” The White House has not confirmed whether any call took place.
President Donald Trump later expressed concern about the incident and referred to Woods as a “good friend.”
Composed demeanor throughout
Throughout the interaction, Woods appears composed and responsive. He tells deputies he had not been drinking and remains calm while answering questions. After being placed in handcuffs, a deputy informs him that his “normal faculties are impaired” and that he is under arrest for DUI.
Dash camera footage shows Woods seated in the back of a patrol vehicle. At one point he says sarcastically, “this is fun,” and appears to be sweating. When asked if he is comfortable, he responds “nope,” prompting a deputy to turn on the air conditioning. He is later seen covering himself with a blanket.
Charges and next steps
Woods, whose legal first name is Eldrick, faces misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He has pleaded not guilty, according to court records.
Investigators’ conclusions appear to be based on the cumulative weight of observed behaviors, physical signs and test performance rather than a single decisive factor.
