Olympic Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson was arrested at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for getting into a heated altercation with her boyfriend, fellow sprinter Christian Coleman.
According to police reports, the 25-year-old world champion was arrested Sunday evening at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after what was described as a “disturbance” between the couple. What started as a verbal argument at the TSA checkpoint reportedly escalated when Richardson allegedly shoved Coleman several times and even threw a pair of headphones at him.
Security footage backed up the claim, showing Coleman falling into a nearby column during the altercation. The officer analyzed the video footage and noticed Richardson extending her left arm to seize Coleman’s backpack before pulling it forcefully away. She then seemed to obstruct his path as he attempted to move past her. Coleman was subsequently pushed against a wall.
The report later indicated that Richardson appeared to have tossed something at Coleman, with the TSA suggesting that it could have been headphones.
The track star was then booked on a fourth-degree domestic violence assault charge and taken to the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) in Des Moines, Washington. She was released the next day, Monday, three days before the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships were set to begin on Thursday in Oregon.
“Richardson advised she did not assault him in any way and the dispute was only a verbal argument,” according to the report.
The report stated Coleman said that he and Richardson got into an argument that became heated. He did not want to participate any further in the investigation and declined to be a victim.
Coleman reportedly informed law enforcement that Richardson has been his girlfriend for two years, even though their relationship was only revealed to the public in February of this year.
Sha’Carri, who became a household name after her blazing win in the 100 meters at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, hasn’t released a statement yet. Neither has her agent. And USA Track & Field is keeping its lips sealed too, saying it’s “aware of the reports” but not commenting any further.
