American sprinter arrested as worlds draw near

U.S. sprinter Jeremy Dodson was arrested on suspicion of identity theft just days before leaving for world championships in Daegu, South Korea.

He was arrested and released Wednesday after posting a $10,000 US bond. His next court hearing is Aug. 26.

A condition of his bond is that he surrenders his passport. Dodson is slated to run the 200 metres at worlds, an event that begins Sept. 2.

His agent, Vince Ewing, said it was Dodson's identification that was stolen and "apparently used by an unidentified person." Ewing added it was that person's conduct which caused authorities to seek Dodson's arrest.

"Mr. Dodson looks forward to co-operating with the Boulder district attorney and the Boulder police department during the discovery process," Ewing said. "We are confident that after this process, the facts above will come to light and a criminal complaint will not be filed against him."

USA Track and Field spokeswoman Jill Geer said the organization is "seeking more information on his situation."

The story was first reported by the Boulder Daily Camera.

At U.S. championships in June, Dodson finished third behind Walter Dix and Darvis Patton.

Dodson, who turns 24 at the end of August, is a voluntary coach at the University of Colorado, where he ran track. He is the school's record holder in the 200.

In addition to coaching and competing, Dodson also is enrolled in law school at Colorado.