Photo: Getty Images North America
Boxing champion Terence "Bud" Crawford was held at gunpoint during a traffic stop just hours after being honored with a hometown parade in Omaha, Nebraska.
Video circulating online shows Omaha police drawing their weapons as they ordered Crawford out of a vehicle. In the footage, Crawford is seen with his hands raised, calmly stating, “I ain’t reaching for no gun.” An officer then pats him down before the video ends.
According to Omaha police, officers stopped a vehicle "driving recklessly" on Sunday (September 28) at around 1:30 a.m., per SB Nation. Police said an officer reportedly “observed a firearm on the driver’s side floorboard,” prompting law enforcement to order all occupants out of the vehicle at gunpoint.
Crawford was cited for reckless driving but released without charges. Police later noted that all occupants of the vehicle, including a member of Crawford’s security team, were legally permitted to carry firearms.
Sunday's traffic stop came just days after Crawford defeated Canelo Alvarez to become the first undisputed three-division boxing champion. The arrest also coincided with Crawford's birthday and a celebration at Heartland of America Park and Steelhouse Omaha to honor his historic win.
Amid widespread backlash to the video of the arrest, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer ordered an internal affairs investigation.
Omaha Mayor John Ewing addressed the incident in a statement.
“I acknowledge the seriousness of what occurred and how trust between law enforcement and our community is important,” Ewing said. “Understand that my heart dropped in learning of this end to an otherwise wonderful day and evening celebrating our city’s world boxing champion.”
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