THE STARKING

Boxer was ticketed for reckless driving
Crawford is a hero in his hometown of Omaha
Police chief says incident will be investigated.

Omaha police ordered boxing world champion Terence Crawford out of his vehicle at gunpoint during a traffic stop for reckless driving early on Sunday, hours after his hometown held a parade to celebrate his recent victory over Canelo Álvarez.

A video circulating on social media showed a portion of the traffic stop. Police chief Todd Schmaderer ordered an internal affairs investigation, a move Omaha’s mayor, John Ewing, said he supported.

According to police, officers working in the downtown area observed a vehicle driving recklessly shortly before 1.30am. While speaking with the driver, an officer observed a gun on the driver’s side floorboard. All four occupants were ordered out of the vehicle at gunpoint.


The driver was later identified as Crawford, and he was ticketed for reckless driving. One passenger, a member of Crawford’s security team, was also found to be carrying a legal firearm. Police confirmed all occupants of the vehicle are legally permitted to carry firearms. A police supervisor and lieutenant responded to the scene at Crawford’s request.

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“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,” Qasim Shabazz, the head of Terence Crawford’s security team, told WOWT NBC Omaha.

Crawford is a hero in Omaha and still lives in his hometown, where he has raised his kids and runs a non-profit boxing academy to help at-risk children.

Ewing said in a Facebook post that he spoke to Crawford after he learned of the traffic stop.

“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. “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.”


Crawford became the unified super middleweight champion with his unanimous decision victory over Álvarez in Las Vegas. He became the first male boxer to capture three unified division titles. Crawford is 42-0 with 31 knockouts.

The city held a parade through downtown in Crawford’s honor during the day, and a party to celebrate his 38th birthday was held at a live music venue near where the traffic stop occurred.

“Understand that my heart dropped in learning of this end to an otherwise wonderful day and evening celebrating our city’s world boxing champion,” Ewing said. “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.”