Many witnesses filmed the scene with their smartphones. American sprinter Fred Kerley, Olympic medalist at the Paris Olympics last summer, was arrested after an altercation with police officers Thursday in Miami. Bronze medalist in the 100m in Paris and silver medalist in Tokyo, the 29-year-old athlete was shot with an electric pulse gun after trying to force his way into the scene of an ongoing investigation.
He approached the scene in South Beach, claiming that his car was parked nearby. Police accuse him of exhibiting “aggressive behavior” and refusing to back down before a fight broke out with several officers.
Hit in the head, ribcage and back
Police say four officers attempted to subdue Kerley and said they hit him in the head, ribcage and back before using the gun. The statement said that after being neutralized, he “continued to resist the officers.” Images of this arrest are circulating on social networks, like here:
Kerley was charged with rebellion, assault and battery against an officer and disturbing the peace and then imprisoned.
During an appearance in a Florida court on Friday, reported by a local television station, Kerley's lawyer deplored “an overreaction by the police.”
