Terence Crawford held at gunpoint by police after being pulled over after victory parade
Terence Crawford was pulled over by police in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, in the early hours of Saturday morning
Recently crowned undisputed world super middleweight boxing champion Terence "Bud" Crawford landed himself in hot water when police pulled him over for suspected dangerous driving in his home city of Omaha, NE, during the early hours of Saturday morning.
The fighter and three passengers were forced from their car and held at gunpoint after officers spotted a weapon - lawfully owned and carried by one of Crawford's companions - on the vehicle's floor.
Crawford, who was in the area for a celebration marking both his 38th birthday and recent victory over Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas, was immediately recognised by the officers.
"Omaha Mayor John Ewing and Police Chief Todd Schmaderer are aware of a video circulating on social media regarding a traffic stop involving Terence 'Bud' Crawford early Sunday morning," the police revealed in a Sunday morning statement. "Chief Schmaderer has authorized an internal affairs investigation.
"Shortly before 1:30 a.m., officers working in the downtown area observed a vehicle driving recklessly near North 12th and Capitol Avenue. A traffic stop was conducted at Cass Street," reports the Irish Mirror.
"While speaking with the driver, an officer observed a firearm on the driver's side floorboard. For safety, all four occupants were ordered out of the vehicle at gunpoint. The driver was later identified as Mr. Crawford upon verification of his driver's license and was issued a citation for reckless driving. One passenger, a member of Mr. 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. A police supervisor and lieutenant responded to the scene at Mr. Crawford's request."
Ewing admitted in his statement that he has since spoken with 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. 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," he said in a statement posted to Facebook.
Qasim Shabazz, the head of Crawford's security team, revealed he thought "we were getting ready to lose our lives....As soon as he said that he had a firearm, the police officer that was on his side became unhinged."