Chalien Dantes (Contributor)

Olympic sprinter Christian Coleman found himself at the centre of a chaotic roadside scene in Florida on Thursday after a traffic stop involving his girlfriend, fellow track star Sha’Carri Richardson, took a sharp turn.

 Police say Richardson was pulled over on State Road 429 in Winter Garden after her car was clocked at more than 100 mph, weaving through traffic and flashing headlights at other drivers. While officers were dealing with the stop, Coleman arrived in a separate vehicle, parked nearby, and stepped out to observe.

According to police, Coleman was told to remain with his vehicle but repeatedly walked back toward the stop, attempting to explain Richardson’s driving and intervene on her behalf. Officers say that as he returned to his Jeep, he dropped an object in the grass. The situation escalated when Coleman later refused to provide identification, leading to his arrest for resisting.

A search of Coleman’s vehicle allegedly turned up a glass smoking device in the centre console, with residue and traces of what officers believed to be cannabis. He was also charged in connection with the paraphernalia.

The scene grew more crowded when sprinter Twanisha Terry arrived to ask what was happening. She was issued a ticket for stopping on a limited-access highway and allowed to leave.

Due to the growing number of people involved, police called for backup. Both vehicles were towed, and Coleman and Richardson were taken to jail separately, bringing an abrupt end to an afternoon that placed one of the world’s fastest men in the middle of an unexpected legal setback.