Olympian gold medalist pleads not guilty after 104 mph ‘super speeder’ arrest

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Sha’Carri Richardson pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to an excessive-speeding charge after deputies say she was clocked at 104 miles per hour on State Road 429 — the same incident first detailed in the initial arrest report and follow-up bodycamera coverage.

According to the arrest affidavit, on January 29, the Olympic gold medal sprinter was allegedly flashing her headlights to move cars out of her path, tailgating other drivers, and weaving across lanes before she was pulled over in Orange County. Deputies said she cut off an unmarked patrol vehicle moments before the stop — an exchange captured in bodycam video, in which Richardson repeatedly apologizes and tells the deputy she did not realize she was speeding because one of her tires was underinflated.

Richardson began begging the deputy for a ticket instead of jail time.

“I really want to work with you, sir. I am a law-abiding citizen,” she pleaded. “Please, sir. I’m begging you. Don’t take me to jail.”

Richardson was taken to the Orange County Jail and charged under Florida’s recently enacted “super speeder” law, which makes it a criminal offense to drive 100 miles per hour or more in a way that endangers people or property. The law took effect last year and carries potential jail time and fines for first-time violators.

Richardson posted bond shortly after her arrest, and no further court dates were released.