OMAHA Police Department are to launch an Internal Affairs investigation after undisputed super-middleweight champion Terence Crawford was pulled over by an OPD officer on Sunday.
The 38-year-old travelled back home to spend the afternoon leading a parade through the city with thousands out in attendance to honour their hero after his September 13 win against Canelo Alvarez. Crawford’s victory in Las Vegas earned him a third undisputed championship after accomplishing the feat at super-lightweight and welterweight.
Crawford’s triumphant return was soured when at 1.30am on Sunday, the day of his 38th birthday, he was stopped by an officer who cited Crawford for reckless driving. According to reports he noticed a firearm in the vehicle and ordered the four occupants, including Crawford, out of the car at gunpoint. OPD later confirmed that all four are legally permitted to carry firearms.
Omaha’s Mayor John Ewing published his statement on Facebook yesterday evening. He revealed he had personally spoken to Crawford and vowed to be up front with public about the findings from OPD’s investigation.
“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. Omaha needs to remember this important day as a good one while we seek answers to how it ended.”
Footage of the incident has circulated online, showing words being exchanged between Crawford and officers before it came to an end.
Crawford has not commented publicly on the incident but his head of security, Qasim Shabazz told Nebraska’s First Alert 6 he feared for his life.
“That was a nightmare, you know, future husband, just had a brand new child and children and stuff like that,” Shabazz said.
“To know that I almost lost my life last night because we had a police officer that does not know how to articulate a traffic stop.”
