Olympic sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson was arrested in Florida last week after deputies say she was driving more than 100 miles per hour on a major highway.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Richardson was booked Thursday, Jan. 29, on a charge of dangerous excessive speeding of 100 mph or more. Authorities allege the 24-year-old was traveling 104 miles per hour on State Road 429 near Stoneybrook Parkway.
According to the sheriff’s department, Richardson was also accused of dangerously tailgating and weaving across lanes of traffic to pass other motorists.
The Orange County Corrections Department said Richardson was released the same day on a $500 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 26.
The arrest comes amid renewed scrutiny of the high-profile athlete, who has faced past off-track controversies alongside her elite performances on the world stage.
Sep 21, 2025; Tokyo, Japan; Sha’Carri Richardson (USA) celebrates after winning the womens 4x100m relay final at National Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Six months earlier, Richardson was arrested in Seattle and charged with fourth-degree domestic violence assault following an incident involving her boyfriend, fellow Olympic runner Christian Coleman. Police said the incident occurred at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, where officers allegedly witnessed Richardson push Coleman during a verbal dispute.
According to police reports cited by national outlets at the time, airport surveillance video appeared to show Richardson bumping into Coleman as he attempted to walk away, and she allegedly threw a pair of headphones at him. Coleman declined to press charges, telling officers he did not wish to be considered a victim. Richardson later apologized publicly for the incident.
Richardson has also spoken openly about her 2021 suspension after testing positive for THC following a race, a result that rendered her ineligible for the Tokyo Olympics. She later said on national television that the incident would never happen again.
Despite the setbacks, Richardson’s athletic achievements have remained undeniable. At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, she won a gold medal as part of Team USA’s 4×100-meter relay squad and captured silver in the individual 100-meter final, cementing her status as one of the fastest women in the world.
