Boxer Terence Crawford, fresh off his upset victory over Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed world super middleweight title, was detained by police in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, early Sunday, Sept. 28, just hours after a victory parade in his honor.
Omaha police later issued a statement saying Crawford’s vehicle was observed ‘driving recklessly’ and he was pulled over just before 1:30 a.m.
‘While speaking with the driver, an officer observed a firearm on the driver’s side floorboard,’ the statement said. ‘For safety, all four occupants were ordered out of the vehicle at gunpoint.’
Police said Crawford was issued a citation for reckless driving. A member of his security team in the car ‘was also found to be carrying a legal firearm.’
After the video went viral, Omaha mayor John Ewing also issued a statement, saying he spoke to Crawford after the incident.
‘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, who turned 38 on Sunday, had returned to Omaha for a birthday party and victory celebration in the wake of his stunning unanimous decision over Alvarez in Las Vegas on Sept. 13.