Terence Crawford, a homegrown hero and favorite in Omaha, recently added to his beloved status after a big boxing title win. Sadly, this would be the least of his worries in the weeks ahead. The unified super middleweight champion was honored in a parade through downtown Omaha on Sunday, celebrating his recent win against Canelo Álvarez. The celebrations were cut short when Crawford made national news by being pulled over by police. After stopping him for speeding, officers ordered him out of his vehicle at gunpoint.
Crawford, who as a longtime Omaha resident with his kids raised there, is an example of someone deeply committed to homegrown civic engagement. He operates an incubator non-profit boxing academy. This academy serves at-risk youth and is a testament to his commitment to providing for the city that raised him. After the parade, a party was hosted at a local live music venue celebrating Crawford’s 38th birthday.
The traffic stop occurred early Sunday morning, around 1:30 am, when police observed Crawford’s vehicle driving recklessly. He and his three passengers were forced out of the vehicle at gunpoint during the traffic stop gone wrong. One passenger—a member of Crawford’s security team—turns out to be packing a legally owned piece.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer has promised an internal investigation into the incident. Southaven Mayor John Ewing expressed his disappointment at losing the event. He highlighted the need to restore trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
“Understand that my heart dropped in learning of this end to an otherwise wonderful day and evening celebrating our city’s world boxing champion,” – John Ewing
Ewing understood just how grave the situation is. He spoke of the importance of maintaining and building strong, positive relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.
“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,” – John Ewing
Testimony from the crisis speaks to those charged sentiments. One of those passengers, Qasim Shabazz, described the terror they felt during the illegal traffic stop.
“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
Crawford, on the other hand, became the first male boxer in history to win three unified division titles. This incredible accomplishment has swept the city of Omaha with jubilation. The internal investigation will seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop and address any concerns raised by community members regarding law enforcement practices.