Olympic Medalist Fredrick Kerley and DJ Girlfriend Arrested in Miami Beach Incident
As Olympic medalist Fredrick Kerley sat handcuffed on the ground after being punched and tased by Miami Beach police, he watched his girlfriend, reality TV star and DJ Cleo Rahman, also being taken into custody. Known as DJ Sky High Baby, Rahman had been out with her boyfriend in South Beach on Thursday when the incident occurred.
Returning to their car, the couple found it blocked by an active police investigation. According to an arrest affidavit, Kerley approached officers around 11:22 p.m. to inquire about the vehicle. Police described his demeanor as "aggressive" and stated he ignored orders to move to the sidewalk. Allegedly, Kerley argued and tried to push through the barricade, while Rahman attempted to pull him away.
Body-Cam Footage Captures the Arrest
Body-camera footage obtained by the Miami Herald shows Kerley speaking to officers before turning to leave. An officer placed a hand on his chest, which Kerley brushed away, leading to a scuffle. The footage reveals officers pinning Kerley down, with one delivering multiple punches and elbow strikes to his head and ribs. Moments later, the officer used a stun gun on Kerley, causing him to collapse before being handcuffed.
Rahman, 32, was visibly distressed, yelling that Kerley "didn't do anything." Her arrest affidavit states she attempted to cross the police barricade and resisted officers when they tried to detain her. She was charged with misdemeanor resisting officers without violence. Rahman shared footage on Instagram showing the moments leading up to her arrest, explaining that she and Kerley were simply trying to access their car.
Lawyer and Public Reactions
Kerley's attorney, Richard L. Cooper, condemned the police response as excessive.
“Fred Kerley has inspired millions with his talent and raised funds for charities, yet in Miami Beach, he’s treated as just another Black man,” Cooper said, adding that the incident reflects broader issues of police brutality.
Rahman echoed similar sentiments in an interview with NBC6, describing the officers' actions as unwarranted. “There was no reason for that kind of aggression,” she said.
Florida’s “Halo Law” and the Incident
Florida’s recently enacted “Halo Law” prohibits individuals from standing within 25 feet of first responders after being warned to step back. Violators face penalties, including jail time. Although Kerley and Rahman’s actions seemed to align with scenarios covered by the law, neither received charges under the new legislation.
“This situation highlights why the Halo Law is essential,” Miami Beach Police Officer Christopher Bess told the Herald.
Background on DJ Sky High Baby
Rahman, known for her appearances on Zeus Network reality shows like Baddies West, has a significant social media presence with over 700,000 Instagram followers. A Baltimore native, she has released mixtapes and built relationships within the music industry, including with rapper Young Thug.
As investigations continue, the incident has sparked debates about police conduct and treatment of public figures.