Terence “Bud” Crawford was celebrated during a victory parade in his hometown of Omaha, Neb. on Saturday but hours later he found himself being ordered out of his car at gunpoint during a traffic stop.
Video surfaced on social media that showed police speaking to Crawford with a gun drawn as the boxer, who is just days removed from his win over Canelo Alvarez, cooperates while stating “I ain’t reaching for no gun” while keeping his hands held high. The police officer is then seen patting Crawford down before the video comes to an end.
Police later issued a statement saying that just before 1:30 a.m. local time, officers stopped a vehicle that was “driving recklessly.” During the traffic stop, the police officer “observed a firearm on the driver’s side floorboard” and for safety, “all four occupants were ordered out of the vehicle at gunpoint.”
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Crawford and issued a citation for reckless driving.
All four occupants in the car were legally permitted to carry firearms, including a member of Crawford’s security team who was carrying his own weapon at the time of the traffic stop.
A police supervisor and lieutenant also responded the scene at Crawford’s request.
As a result of the traffic stop, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer ordered “an internal affairs investigation” over the incident.
In the aftermath of the video going viral, Omaha Mayor John Ewing also issued a statement of his own where he revealed that he actually spoke to Crawford about the incident, which followed the celebration in his honor on Saturday.
“I learned Omaha police pulled over Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford on a traffic stop downtown early this morning. After learning of this, I spoke personally to Bud Crawford,” Ewing wrote. “I acknowledge the seriousness of what occurred and how trust between law enforcement and our community is important and shows the need to be continuously vigilant about building relationships. Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer has pledged an internal investigation, which I support and want to be full and thorough. We will gather all the facts and be transparent with the public about our findings.
“Understand that my heart dropped in learning of this end to an otherwise wonderful day and evening celebrating our city’s world boxing champion. We held a great parade and great event at Heartland of America park. The evening birthday party at Steelhouse, which I and members of my team attended, was a showing of joy and pride. Omaha needs to remember this important day as a good one while we seek answers to how it ended. Meanwhile, we must ensure that every resident, no matter who they are, feels safe and respected in Omaha.”
Crawford’s celebration followed his historic win over Alvarez where he became the first ever undisputed three-division boxing champion with a dominant performance to remain undefeated in his career.
He has not directly addressed the traffic stop or the resulting investigation underway.
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