Fred Kerley: US Olympic sprinter facing battery charge after police deployed stun gun during arrest in Miami
Miami Beach police said Fred Kerley approached officers with concerns about his car as they were conducting investigation nearby; police statement said his behaviour became "increasingly aggressive" and he "assumed fighting stance"; Kerley took bronze in 100m at Paris 2024 Olympics
Saturday 4 January 2025 15:47, UK
US Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley is facing charges of battery and disorderly conduct after being tasered by police during an arrest in Miami.
Officers were involved in an active investigation when Kerley approached them on Thursday night, the force said, concerned about his vehicle which was parked nearby.
Miami Beach police said his demeanour became "increasingly aggressive" and he was asked to leave the area but refused.
The incident was captured on a police body camera.
Kerley, 29, won bronze in the men's 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics and silver in the event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He is also a former world champion.
"Despite officers' efforts to deescalate the situation, the defendant assumed a fighting stance and continued to ignore their lawful commands," a police statement said.
"When the officers attempted to effectuate his arrest, he actively resisted their efforts.
"Consequently, emergency back-up was requested, a dart-firing stun gun was effectively deployed and the defendant was arrested without any further incident."
Kerley's defence lawyer Yale Sanford said in a statement: "By now we have all watched the videos that stem from last night on Miami Beach. This footage is obscene.
"It just goes to show that no matter how hard you work, how many medals you earn for your country, and how many people across the globe you inspire, in Miami Beach, Mr Kerley was treated like millions of African-Americans, male and female, around the country... with a lack of humanity, compassion, or respect.
"It's important for our community to be aware of these actions by police so we can make sure this type of behaviour is prevented in the future."
Kerley, who starred in the Netflix athletics docuseries Sprint last year, was arrested on charges of resisting an officer without violence and disorderly conduct, as well as battery.
Local media reported on Friday that Kerley had attended court and been released on bail.
