A 29-year-old sprinter from the United States, Fred Kerley, was tased and arrested by police in Miami, Florida, after a confrontation on Thursday evening.
The athlete, who secured a 100m bronze at 2024 Paris Olympics, now faces charges including battery, resisting arrest, and breach of the peace following the incident.
According to a police report, officers were already investigating another case when Kerley approached them, expressing concern about his car with an “aggressive demeanor.”
The report further stated that Kerley “continued to resist officers and used evasive movements to avoid being arrested” before being forcibly taken to the ground by four officers.
Bodycam footage from the police showed Kerley rising to his feet only to be tased, causing him to fall back to the ground before officers arrested him.
On Friday, Kerley appeared in court, and local media in Miami reported that he was later released on bail.
His lawyer described the incident as a “total misunderstanding.”
Kerley’s athletic career includes winning a 100m silver at the Tokyo 2021 Games, alongside a gold medal in the 2022 World Championships.
He has also claimed gold in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays at the World Championships, and he holds the sixth-fastest 100m time ever, clocking in at 9.76 seconds.
