U.S. track star Sha'Carri Richardson is once again at the center of a traffic stop that spiraled into something bigger — and this time, fellow Olympian Christian Coleman ended up in handcuffs, too.
According to an affidavit from the Orange County Sheriff's Office obtained by The New York Times, Coleman, 29, was arrested Thursday, July 29, after arriving at the scene of Richardson’s stop and refusing orders to stay out of the investigation.
Coleman wasn’t the driver, but deputies say he parked nearby and approached officers while they were conducting what they described as a “criminal investigation.”
The affidavit states he began “defending” Richardson and was told multiple times to return to his vehicle. When he didn’t comply and instead asked for a supervisor and further explanation, deputies arrested him for resisting and failing to provide identification.
During a search of his car, officers reported finding a glass pipe containing a “small amount of green leafy plant material” inside the center console. That discovery added a possession of drug paraphernalia charge to the resisting count. He was also cited for stopping on a limited-access highway and for an expired registration.
Another Olympian, Twanisha Terry, briefly pulled up as well. Police issued her a citation for stopping, but released her after she provided identification.
Court records show Coleman posted a $1,000 bond and has an arraignment scheduled for February 26. Richardson posted a $500 bond and is due in court on February 25. Neither remains in custody.
The incident marks Richardson’s second arrest since last summer. After a previous dispute at an airport, she later addressed fans on social media, writing that she had taken time for “self-reflection” and was “holding herself accountable.”
Richardson, a gold medalist from the Paris Olympics and one of track’s most recognizable names, has also previously served a suspension after testing positive for THC in 2021, saying she used marijuana while coping with her mother’s death.
Representation for both athletes and USA Track & Field did not immediately comment.