U.S. Olympic athlete Fred Carly was taken into custody on Thursday on a misdemeanor battery charge after an alleged altercation with Olympic hurdler Aleisha Johnson at a hotel in Florida.
According to an arrest report obtained by TMZ, police arrived at the scene around 7:48 AM following a complaint from 28-year-old Johnson. She reported that 29-year-old Carly assaulted her while she was preparing for an upcoming track event.
Johnson mentioned that a disagreement sparked between them, during which she stated, “I’m going to go to everyone here f-k.”
It’s reported that Carly later attacked Johnson, who recounted that he had been her boyfriend for about six months and that he struck her near her face.
Police indicated that Johnson’s injuries corroborated her account.
The two-time Olympic medalist was taken to Broward County Jail and subsequently pulled from the Grand Slam Track event in Miami. He was set to compete in the 100-meter dash on Saturday and the 200-meter dash on Sunday.
“Fred Carly was arrested last night. This situation is currently under investigation, and any inquiries should be directed to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office,” stated the Grand Slam Track event organizers. “Fred will not be competing this weekend.”
Carly faces a first-degree misdemeanor charge related to touch and/or strike battery, with a bond set at $1,000.
“There is no merit in this case, and I’m confident it will be dismissed shortly,” remarked Richard L. Cooper, Carly’s attorney. “Fred looks forward to getting back to doing what he does best: winning races and inspiring young athletes.”
Carly’s history includes a prior arrest for battery during a chaotic incident with Miami Beach police in January.
He has also faced unrelated domestic battery charges since 2024.
Carly has maintained his not guilty plea in both cases.
At 29, he initially specialized in the 400 meters but clinched a bronze medal in the men’s 100-meter dash at last summer’s Paris Games. He had previously won a silver medal in the same event at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
