Fred Kerley, a U.S. Olympic sprinter, was arrested in Miami Beach after a confrontation with law enforcement officers late Thursday night. The 29-year-old track star, known for his achievements in sprinting, including a silver medal in the 100 meters at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a bronze in the same event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was involved in an altercation with police.
Body camera footage released by Miami Beach police captures Kerley arguing with officers as he attempted to approach the scene of an ongoing police investigation. Authorities stated that Kerley tried to force his way through a secured area near his parked vehicle, despite being told by officers to go around. This led to a verbal exchange, which escalated into a physical altercation.
During the confrontation, four officers struggled to detain Kerley, who was attempting to avoid arrest. According to the arrest report, the situation became more intense when Kerley resisted, prompting one of the officers to strike him multiple times before using a Taser to subdue him. Kerley was subsequently taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation and later transported to the Miami-Dade County jail.
Kerley faces charges of battery, resisting an officer, and disorderly conduct. As of now, no legal representation has been listed for him in court records. USA Track & Field, the governing body for American track and field, has declined to comment on the incident.
The arrest has garnered attention given Kerley’s prominence in the world of athletics. In addition to his Olympic success, Kerley has earned six medals at the World Athletics Championships. The confrontation, which remains under investigation, marks a significant moment in the athlete’s career, raising questions about his actions and the involvement of law enforcement.
