Hours after being hailed by his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, in a parade that drew a reported 100,000-plus supporters, newly crowned undisputed super-middleweight champion Terence Crawford was ticketed for driving recklessly and questioned by police during the traffic stop for legally carrying firearms in the vehicle.
Omaha Mayor John W. Ewing and Police Chief Todd Schmaderer reviewed the early morning Sunday incident and launched a review that will include an internal affairs investigation, police said in a prepared statement.
Crawford, who turned 38 Sunday, rode through city streets Saturday during the parade and spoke movingly to his mother and grandmother during remarks on stage during the event.
Staged two weeks after his superb showing in a unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas to become a three-time undisputed champion and five-division titlist, Crawford’s parade was a celebration of the loyal Nebraskan who even wore Nerbraska’s famed red “N” in his mouthpiece on fight night.
According to the police statement, officers working near downtown Omaha observed “a vehicle driving recklessly,” prompting the traffic stop shortly before 1:30 a.m. Central time.
“While speaking with the driver [Crawford], an officer observed a firearm on the driver’s side floorboard. For safety, all four occupants were ordered out of the vehicle at gunpoint,” police said.
“One passenger, a member of Crawford’s security team, was also found to be carrying a legal firearm. Police have confirmed that all occupants are legally permitted to carry firearms.”
Crawford requested a police supervisor and lieutenant to respond to the scene, police said.
Crawford’s spokeswoman told BoxingScene the boxing champion “has no comment at this time.”
In a statement on Facebook, Mayor Ewing said he spoke to 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 wrote.
“My heart dropped in learning of this end to an otherwise wonderful day and evening celebrating our city’s world boxing champion. … [It] 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.
“We must ensure that every resident, no matter who they are, feels safe and respected in Omaha.”
