Olympic Sprinter Fred Kerley Arrested in Miami Beach After He's Tasered in Altercation with Police

Mar. 15, 2025

Fred Kerley.Photo:Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty

Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty

Olympic sprinterFred Kerleywas arrested and charged with battery following a confrontation with police in Miami Beach, according to multiple reports.

Local Miami news stationWSVNandNBC Miamireported that Kerley, 29, allegedly approached police officers at the scene of an active investigation on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 2.

The Team USA sprinter reportedly expressed concern for his car, which was parked near the scene where police were investigating on the 100 block of 9th street.

According to NBC, authorities used a stun gun on him after they said Kerley’s “demeanor became increasingly aggressive” and he denied the officers' request for him to leave the scene.

Fred Kerley.Miami-Dade Corrections

Miami-Dade Corrections

Police also described Kerley assuming a “fighting stance” during the altercation with officers.

Kerley’s girlfriend was reportedly also at the scene, per NBC, and screamed at officers to stop during the scuffle. “He’s an athlete, please do not mess with him,” the woman yelled.

The outlet said officers can be heard on the footage telling Kerley to stop resisting for “several moments” before one officer threatened to tase the sprinter.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Fred Kerley.Roger Sedres/Gallo Images/Getty Images

According to WSVN, officers called for emergency backup during the incident.

After being tased, Kerley reportedly fell to the ground before telling officers they’re “weak” in the footage. “You put your hands on me, hit me in the head,” Kerley said, per NBC.

Kerley now faces charges of battery on a police officer, corrections officer, or firefighter, resisting an officer without violence and disorderly conduct.

PEOPLE has reached out to Miami Police for further information. PEOPLE has also reached out to representatives for Kerley for comment.

source: people.com