Olympian Sha'Carri Richardson pleads with officer to ‘work with me’ during speeding arrest: ‘I’m begging you’

Bodycam footage obtained by Fox News Digital shows Olympic gold medalist Sha’Carri Richardson pleading with a Florida police officer during a traffic stop that ended in her arrest for dangerous excessive speeding.

According to the footage and police report, Richardson was pulled over on State Road 429 near Stoneybrook Parkway in Winter Garden after Sgt. Gerald McDaniels observed her Aston Martin traveling at more than 100 mph in a 65-mph zone. McDaniels said he reached speeds of at least 110 mph to catch up after noticing Richardson flashing her headlights at another vehicle and weaving through traffic.

Upon approaching the car, McDaniels cited Richardson for reckless driving behavior, including excessive speed, following too closely, changing lanes repeatedly, and passing vehicles on the shoulder with hazard lights activated.

Richardson attempted to explain that her phone had slipped and inadvertently changed the vehicle’s driving mode, contributing to the sudden acceleration. She also mentioned that her back tire pressure was low. The officer dismissed the explanation, emphasizing the severity of the driving behavior.

After initially stating she was unaware of her speed, Richardson told the officer she was a law-abiding citizen and insisted there was no intent to break the law. As the situation escalated, her tone shifted.

“Please, sir. I really was not intentionally speeding,” Richardson said in the footage. “I’m begging you. Don’t take me to jail.”

Despite her pleas, McDaniels proceeded with the arrest.

The police report also notes that fellow Olympic sprinter and Richardson’s boyfriend, Christian Coleman, arrived at the scene and was arrested for resisting after declining to identify himself. Authorities reported finding smoking paraphernalia in his vehicle. Another U.S. sprinter, Twanisha Terry, also appeared at the location.

Richardson and Coleman have previously been involved in a widely reported incident in 2023 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, though Coleman declined to pursue charges at the time, stating he wanted to move forward.

On the track, Richardson remains one of the most accomplished sprinters in the world. She won Olympic gold as part of the U.S. women’s 4x100-meter relay team at the 2024 Paris Games and claimed the 100-meter world title at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. Coleman, a former world champion, continues to pursue his first Olympic medal.