U.S. Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley has been arrested for battery in South Florida, online records show.
Kerley, 24, a two-time Olympic medalist, is accused of punching his ex-girlfriend in the face with a closed fist, causing her nose to bleed, ESPN reported, citing the arrest report.
The track-and-field star was scheduled to compete in Grand Slam Track’s inaugural Miami event, taking place Friday through Sunday.
On Friday, event organizers declined to comment on Kerley’s arrest but confirmed “he [would] not compete this weekend.”
“Fred Kerley was arrested last night,” Grand Slam Track said in a statement Friday. “The matter is under active investigation, and all inquiries should be directed to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.”
The alleged victim, fellow Olympian Alaysha Johnson, 29, told police she ran into Kerley on her way to an appointment with her conditioning coach, Reuters reported.
During the Thursday encounter, Kerley became aggressive and punched her, according to the arrest report. Investigators said her injuries were consistent with her statements.
Johnson and Kerley were romantically involved for about six months but broke up last October.
He was charged with touch-or-strike battery, and his bond was set at $1,000.
The incident marked Kerley’s second arrest in Florida this year. In January, he was arrested after a confrontation with police in Miami Beach and charged with battery, resisting an officer and disorderly conduct.
