Olympic sprinter, Fred Kerley, has had new charges brought against him while in police custody for the charges of resisting arrest on Thursday this week.
Miami Beach police discovered that Kerley had charges laid against him one year prior by the Miami Dade police. These charges had to do with assaulting his wife at the time.
It has been widely reported that Kerley was technically released on his own recognizance for the incident with police, but remained in a Miami jail after the hearing. Police added the charges on Friday.
The new charges against Kerley are felonies, which include strongarm robbery, domestic violence, and domestic violence by strangulation. Kerley, an American who competed in the 2021 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympic Games was charged in Miami for resisting arrest.
The 29-year-old won 100m bronze in Paris, and 100m silver in Tokyo.
New charges
He faces charges of battery, resisting a police officer and breach of the peace following the incident on Thursday evening.
In May 2024, Miami-Dade police were called to his home after an argument between him and his then-wife of more than 10 years. The fight escalated into what could have “been a life-and-death situation,” according to authorities.
The couple, who have three children, were arguing after she discovered Kerley was talking to a person on Instagram, an arrest affidavit reads. Things escalated when he began aggressively approaching his wife.
She allegedly told him to get back, but he did not. Out of fear, she punched him in the face. He then grabbed and pushed her to the ground. He put his arm around her neck and started strangling her, according to her statement to police. “The victim stated that she was not able to call for help or even gasp for air.”
Kerley released his grip and tried to take her phone. She began screaming for help, which prompted Kerley to strangle her again. Other people in the house rushed in and got Kerley off of her. He snatched her phone and sped off from the home in his car. He eventually came back to return the phone.
There is new video evidence showing that at least one police officer repeatedly punched Kerley in the upper body.
Halo Law
According to the Miami Herald, the new ‘Halo Law’ could have been used. The law effective Jan. 1, 2025 makes it a chargeable offence to stand within 25 feet (7.62m) of a first responder after a verbal warning to back off.
Violators may face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Florida’s new law shields responders; critics say it’s aimed at curbing videos being captured of police. While the circumstances of Kerley’s and Rahman’s arrest appear to fit the bill, they did not receive the second-degree misdemeanour charge for disobeying the Halo Law.
“The defendant’s actions took several officers to divert their attention from assisting the officers to deal with her,” Rahman’s arrest affidavit read. According to officers, Kerley was obstructing their investigation and was told to step away. “This situation is a perfect example as to why that law is so important and why it was signed into legislation,” Miami Beach Police Officer Christopher Bess told the Herald.
DJ Cleo Rahman
Kerley’s girlfriend, reality tv personality DJ Cleo Rahman was heard yelling stop on several occasions. She also attempted to pass the police barrier and was charged with resisting arrest.
She was heard yelling, “that is my boyfriend,” and “he didn’t do anything wrong.”
Kerley’s attorney, Richard L. Cooper, said the arrest was far from how Kerley should have been treated. “Fred Kerley has inspired millions through his incredible athletic talent, he’s raised millions for charities, and he has brought home silver and bronze medals on behalf of our country, but in Miami Beach, he is just considered another Black man,” Cooper told the Herald. “It’s not the first time I’ve seen a law-abiding Black man be brutalized by Miami Beach police.”
