Fred Kerley, an Olympic sprinter for Team USA, was arrested in South Beach after an altercation with police. Authorities reported that the 29-year-old approached the scene of an active investigation on Ninth Street, between Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive, late Thursday night.
Kerley voiced concerns about his vehicle nearby, disrupting the crime scene, and became aggressive when officers asked him to move.
Despite attempts to calm him, Kerley continued to ignore orders, assumed a fighting stance, and resisted arrest. Body camera footage from the officers showed Kerley, in a light gray hoodie, resisting arrest, leading to police calling for backup. Kerley attempted to get into his car, prompting officers to use a Taser to subdue him. Afterward, he was taken into custody without further issues.
Kerley’s girlfriend, Cleo Rahman, was also arrested for allegedly resisting arrest. She later shared cellphone footage of the incident, showing Kerley being Tased. Rahman explained that she was recording the arrest to protect her boyfriend, stating, “He is an athlete. Please do not mess with him!”
Kerley now faces charges of battery on a police officer, resisting arrest without violence, and disorderly conduct. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy S. Glazer addressed the case, suggesting that the situation could have been handled differently.
She also questioned whether the police were overburdened with complex crime scenes. Meanwhile, Miami Beach Police union leader Bobby Hernandez defended the officers, highlighting additional domestic violence charges against Kerley, which were part of an ongoing investigation.
Kerley, a decorated athlete known for his Olympic medals in the 100m and 4x400m relay, remains in custody and is expected to return to court soon.
