Detective Bryan Gillis of the Louisville Metro Police Department has come under scrutiny after his involvement in the arrest of golfer Scottie Scheffler and his failure to use his body camera during the incident. Gillis, who has been with the department for nearly 17 years, has a disciplinary record that includes being suspended for performing risky maneuvers with an intoxicated civilian in his police vehicle and missing court appearances. Additionally, Gillis has been involved in multiple at-fault accidents while operating LMPD vehicles, leading to mandatory driver’s training in some instances.
In the incident involving Scottie Scheffler, Gillis was directing traffic near the Valhalla Golf Club following a fatal accident when he encountered the golfer driving in the wrong lane to bypass traffic backup caused by the collision. According to the arrest citation, Scheffler allegedly refused to comply with Gillis’ instructions and accelerated forward, dragging Gillis to the ground and causing injuries to his wrist and knee. This incident has raised questions about Gillis’ conduct and decision-making as a police officer.
Gillis’s disciplinary record includes a suspension for driving an intoxicated civilian in his police vehicle and performing “donuts” in a business parking lot in a non-emergency situation. He has also been suspended for missing court appearances multiple times and has received reprimands for various incidents, including pursuing a vehicle without cause. Despite these disciplinary issues, Gillis has received letters of commendation for his service, including his involvement in facilitating traffic flow during a funeral visitation service and issuing citations during operational periods.
In addition to his work with the Louisville Metro Police Department, Gillis has engaged in secondary employment with other companies, primarily providing security at retail stores and directing traffic. He has also requested permission to work as a collision investigator for lawyers and insurance companies, operating in plainclothes and not representing LMPD. Throughout his tenure with the department, Gillis has transitioned through different divisions, ultimately landing in the traffic unit in 2014.
Despite his history of disciplinary issues, Gillis has been recognized for his work ethic, diligence, and tenaciousness in carrying out his duties as a police officer. However, his involvement in the arrest of Scottie Scheffler and the subsequent scrutiny of his conduct have raised concerns about his ability to effectively serve as a law enforcement officer. Moving forward, it will be essential for the Louisville Metro Police Department to address any issues with Gillis’s behavior and ensure that he upholds the standards expected of a police detective.
