Prosecutors to subpoena Tiger Woods' prescription drug records after DUI arrest

Prosecutors in Palm Beach County, Florida, have filed a motion to subpoena the prescription drug records of professional golfer Tiger Woods from a Jupiter pharmacy, following his arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) on May 29, 2017. The legal action seeks to obtain detailed information about medications Woods was prescribed around the time of his arrest, which occurred after police found him asleep at the wheel of his Mercedes-Benz near his Jupiter Island home. The motion, filed in Palm Beach County court, specifically targets the records held by the Health and Wellness Pharmacy in Jupiter. Prosecutors aim to determine whether any prescribed substances found in Woods' system during the arrest were legally obtained and used as directed, or if they contributed to the impairment that led to the DUI charge. This legal step is a standard part of building a case in DUI investigations involving prescription drugs, where establishing the source and legitimacy of the substances is crucial. Woods' arrest and the subsequent toxicology report revealed the presence of several medications in his system, including the sleep aid zolpidem (Ambien), the painkiller hydrocodone (Vicodin), and THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. The golfer publicly attributed the incident to an unexpected reaction to prescription medications, stating he did not realize the mix would affect him so strongly. The subpoena represents a procedural move to verify his account against the pharmacy's records, which could influence the charges and potential penalties he faces. The case highlights the complex legal and medical issues surrounding prescription drug use and driving, even when medications are legally prescribed. Woods, one of the most celebrated athletes in history, has undergone multiple back surgeries in recent years, leading to a reliance on pain management medications. The outcome of this legal process could have significant implications for his public standing and ongoing career, as he attempts a comeback to professional golf.