Terence Crawford Traffic Stop Sparks Internal Investigation in Omaha

Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. and Police Chief Todd Schmaderer have announced an internal affairs investigation following a traffic stop involving undisputed super middleweight champion Terence "Bud" Crawford early Sunday morning. The incident occurred hours after Crawford was celebrated by the city with a parade commemorating his recent title victory.

According to the Omaha Police Department, Crawford’s vehicle was pulled over at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sunday for alleged reckless driving. A video of the encounter, circulated on social media, shows Crawford exiting the vehicle with his hands raised. An occupant of the car can be heard stating, "I’m not reaching for no gun."

Police reports indicate that officers observed a firearm in the driver’s side floorboard, prompting them to order all four occupants out of the vehicle at gunpoint. A legally owned firearm was subsequently found on one of the occupants, identified as a member of Crawford’s security team. After Crawford was identified as the driver, police determined that all individuals in the vehicle were legally permitted to carry firearms. Crawford was issued a citation for reckless driving.

In a joint statement, Mayor Ewing and Chief Schmaderer announced the initiation of an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop. Mayor Ewing also released an individual statement emphasizing the importance of trust between law enforcement and the community.

"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 stated.

"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," Ewing 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."

Ewing concluded, "Meanwhile, we must ensure that every resident, no matter who they are, feels safe and respected in Omaha."

The incident has drawn considerable attention due to Crawford’s status as a prominent athlete and community figure. Crawford, 36, is widely regarded as one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world. His recent victory against Canelo Álvarez, where he moved up two weight divisions to capture the undisputed super middleweight title, solidified his reputation.

Crawford’s victory over Álvarez was a significant upset, as he entered the fight as the underdog. He dominated the match, securing a unanimous decision victory with scores of 117-111, 116-112, and 115-113. Crawford demonstrated exceptional skill and tactical prowess throughout the bout, outboxing Álvarez and showcasing his versatility.

The win against Álvarez added to Crawford’s already impressive record. As of October 29, 2024, Crawford holds a professional record of 41 wins with no losses, with 32 of those wins coming by way of knockout. He has held multiple world championships in three different weight classes, including the WBO welterweight title, which he defended five times before relinquishing it to move up in weight.

Crawford’s rise to prominence began in the lightweight division, where he captured the WBO lightweight title in 2014. He then moved up to the light welterweight division, unifying the WBO, WBC, IBF, and Ring magazine titles, becoming the first male boxer since Jermain Taylor in 2005 to hold all four major world titles simultaneously.

His transition to the welterweight division was equally successful. He defeated Jeff Horn in 2018 to win the WBO welterweight title and went on to dominate the division, defeating notable opponents such as Amir Khan, Kell Brook, and Shawn Porter.

Crawford’s victory over Álvarez marked a significant milestone in his career, as it cemented his status as one of the greatest boxers of his generation. His ability to move up in weight and defeat a fighter of Álvarez’s caliber demonstrated his exceptional skill and adaptability.

Beyond his accomplishments in the ring, Crawford is also a prominent figure in his hometown of Omaha. He is known for his community involvement and philanthropic efforts. Prior to the traffic stop incident, Crawford was celebrated with a parade and honored at various events throughout the city. He also had the privilege of leading the University of Nebraska football team onto the field for their game against Michigan on September 20, further highlighting his connection to the local community.

The ongoing internal investigation into the traffic stop involving Crawford is expected to examine the actions of the officers involved and determine whether proper procedures were followed. The investigation will likely involve a review of the police report, video footage of the incident, and interviews with the officers and individuals involved.

The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for the Omaha Police Department and its relationship with the community. Mayor Ewing has emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the investigation, stating that the city is committed to gathering all the facts and sharing them with the public.

The incident has also sparked discussions about racial profiling and the treatment of minorities by law enforcement. Some community members have expressed concerns that Crawford was targeted because of his race and celebrity status.

As the investigation proceeds, it is expected that additional details will emerge, providing a clearer picture of the events that transpired during the traffic stop. The results of the investigation will be closely watched by the community and the boxing world, as they could have a lasting impact on Crawford’s reputation and the relationship between the Omaha Police Department and the community it serves.

Crawford’s next steps in his boxing career remain uncertain. He has expressed interest in defending his super middleweight title against other top contenders, but he may also consider moving back down to the welterweight division. His decision will likely depend on the opportunities that are available to him and his assessment of the risks and rewards involved.

Regardless of his future plans, Crawford’s legacy as one of the greatest boxers of his generation is secure. His exceptional skill, determination, and versatility have earned him the respect of fans and fellow fighters alike. He will continue to be a role model for aspiring boxers and a source of pride for the city of Omaha.