LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, had his weekly media address Tuesday and when he took questions, they all surrounded the arrest of PGA golfer, Scottie Scheffler.
Scheffler was arrested Friday, May 17 outside of Valhalla Golf Club.
Greenberg said LMPD will investigate all the circumstances of Friday’s incidents, including whether the officers followed LMPD’s body worn camera policy.
“From my understanding, based on the facts I am aware of right now, I understand why the body cam may not have been turned on at the initial contact between Officer [Bryan] Gillis and Mr. Scheffler. I still have questions about why it was not on during Mr. Scheffler’s arrest. Again, the chief will address that more fully,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.
The mayor said the video of Scheffler’s arrest taken from a camera across the street will be released this week.
The Louisville Metro Police Department said it is internally investigating the Scheffler incident. LMPD Chief Gwinn-Villaroel said they’ll provide an update on Thursday, May 23.
Most of the mayor’s weekly update was about Mental Health Awareness Month.
Greenberg highlighted how to get mental health help in the city during this month and all year round.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health. From the challenges that come with all of our daily lives to major traumatic events, mental health services are essential for everyone in our city,” said Greenberg.
One of those resources is the crisis call diversion program, which refers some 911 calls to non-police responses to help people in a mental health crisis.
“Our goal is a community where mental health and substance use are at the same level as any other health issue. We have made great strides in doing that, but there’s still more work to be done,” said David Pankotai, Seven Counties Services CEO.
The Pete Foundation, a Louisville nonprofit aiming to end the stigma around mental health, unveiled a mural in Louisville that looks like the world’s first mental health flag that they designed.
“It’s a reminder that each individual is seen and cared for because mental health issues affect every single person in our community and no one is ever alone in that,” said Michelle Jones, executive director of the Pete Foundation.
Jones and the mayor said that mental health is just health.
“Just like if you have an ache in a part of your body, you call a doctor. If you are concerned about your mental health or if you know someone that you’re concerned about their mental health, please reach out and help,” said Greenberg.
You can always call or text the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988.
The city is continuing to highlight mental health awareness this weekend. On Sunday, May 26, 2024, Mindfest, a free mind strengthening festival will be held at the Roots 101 African American Museum.