U.S. Olympic Runner Fred Kerley Arrested in South Florida

U.S. Olympic runner Fred Kerley has found himself in legal trouble after a confrontation with police in South Florida, according to authorities.

Body camera footage released by Miami Beach police depicts Kerley engaged in a heated argument with a group of officers late Thursday, which ultimately escalated into a physical altercation. Kerley was subdued by officers, with one of them reportedly striking him multiple times and deploying a Taser on the 29-year-old sprinter.

Reports indicate that the incident unfolded as officers were responding to an unrelated police scene when Kerley approached the area and tried to access his parked vehicle nearby. Despite being instructed to go around the area by the officers, Kerley chose to challenge their instructions, leading to a confrontation.

Authorities state that four officers attempted to apprehend Kerley, who resisted arrest by evading their efforts. Following the use of the Taser, Kerley was taken to a local hospital for evaluation before being transferred to the Miami-Dade County jail.

Kerley now faces charges of battery, resisting an officer, and disorderly conduct. As of now, online court records do not list an attorney representing Kerley, and USA Track & Field, the governing body for track and field in the U.S., has yet to comment on the matter.

Despite the legal issues, Kerley boasts an impressive athletic record, having secured a silver medal for the 100 meters at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and a bronze medal for the same event at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Additionally, he has amassed a total of six medals at the World Athletics Championships.