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Champion boxer Terence “Bud” Crawford was pulled over and ordered to exit his car at gunpoint during a traffic stop early Sunday morning in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, just hours after a parade was held in his honor after his victory against fellow boxer Canelo Alvarez in September.
What happened to Crawford and his entourage during the traffic stop?
According to KBTX, Omaha police reported that Crawford was driving recklessly around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, prompting officers to pull over his vehicle. When an officer noticed a firearm inside, Crawford and three others were ordered out at gunpoint. All four occupants, including the head of Crawford’s security team, were handcuffed.
The security member, identified as Qasim Shabazz, was legally carrying a firearm, and police later confirmed that all occupants were legally permitted to carry firearms.
“Man, I thought we were getting ready to lose our lives… That was a nightmare, you know, future husband, just had a brand new child and children and stuff like that,” Shabazz said, per KBTX.
‘There was no reason to had drawn guns on us’
Shabazz, also head of Omaha’s Black Agenda Alliance, criticized the police response as unnecessary. “There was no reason to had drawn guns on us… No matter how prepared you are, no matter how calm you are, if you run into a rogue police officer who wants to escalate, he is going to escalate,” he said.
While police say an officer saw a firearm inside the vehicle, Shabazz disputed the claim, stating no weapon was visible before officers drew their guns, per KBTX.
On Sunday, Mayor John Ewing Jr. spoke out about the incident and confirmed that Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer has initiated an internal affairs investigation into the situation, per KETV.
Ewing issues statement and calls for investigation
“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. 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,” Ewing said in a statement, according to KETV.
“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 transparent with the public about our findings,” he continued.
“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,” he stated. “Meanwhile, we must ensure that every resident, no matter who they are, feels safe and respected in Omaha.”
The investigating is ongoing.
