Fred Kerley, fresh off a bronze medal win in the 100-meter event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was arrested Thursday night after a tense and chaotic altercation with Miami Beach police. The incident, which unfolded at around 11:22 PM, was captured on police body cam footage.
According to the Miami Beach Police Department, officers were handling an “active police scene” when the 29-year-old sprinter approached them. Kerley reportedly displayed “an aggressive demeanor” and expressed concern about his nearby parked car.
Body cam footage reveals the situation escalated quickly. Kerley appeared to argue with officers before pushing one of them. The push sparked a physical struggle, with multiple officers attempting to subdue the athlete.
Despite being outnumbered, Kerley resisted, prompting one officer to use a Taser. The device appeared to briefly incapacitate him, allowing police to secure him in handcuffs.
In the video, Kerley can be heard yelling at officers, repeatedly calling them “weak,” even as he was taken into custody.
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Kerley was booked at 4:07 AM on Friday and is now facing three charges, including battery on a police officer. He is expected to appear before a judge soon.
Kerley’s athletic career has been marked by success, including a silver medal in the 100-meter event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a bronze medal this past summer in Paris. However, this arrest puts the spotlight on him for reasons far removed from his athletic achievements.
Fred Kerley’s girlfriend, Cleo Rahman, also known as DJ Sky High Baby, is facing charges related to the same Thursday night incident. Court records reveal Rahman has been charged with resisting an officer without violence.