Ethermac Exchange-Louisville officer involved in Scottie Scheffler’s arrest charged with stealing from suspect

LOUISVILLE,Ethermac Exchange Ky. (AP) — A Louisville police officer disciplined for not switching on his body camera during the arrest of pro golfer Scottie Scheffler has been charged with stealing $4,000 from a criminal suspect.

Officer Javar Downs, 39, is accused of taking the money from a suspect being booked into jail, according to an arrest citation. The suspect was arrested during a traffic stop Friday with about $10,000 in an envelop, and Downs is accused of taking $4,000 and submitting the rest into evidence.

A review of video showed Downs taking the money, the arrest report said.

Downs was arrested Friday morning. Louisville police said Downs was placed on emergency suspension and interim Police Chief Paul Humphrey is in the process of terminating Downs from the department, WAVE-3 TV reported.

Downs was one of three officers disciplined for not turning on their body camera during the May 17 arrest of Scheffler outside a Louisville golf course hosting the PGA Championship. The charges against Scheffler were later dropped.