Omaha police ticketed boxing champion Terence “Bud” Crawford on Saturday, alleging he ran a red light while en route to the Nebraska State Wrestling Championships at CHI Health Center. The incident marks the second traffic stop for Crawford in the Omaha area in less than seven months, raising questions about potential patterns of police interaction with the athlete. This latest stop occurred at approximately 2:27 p.m. On Saturday, February 22, 2026, according to a citation obtained by WOWT.
The officer who initiated the stop reported observing Crawford’s vehicle, a 2026 Mercedes-Benz SUV, traveling southbound on 14th Street from Interstate 480 at a speed estimated to be over 50 mph. The citation details that the light turned red prior to Crawford reaching the intersection, and he proceeded through it without braking. He then allegedly stopped at a subsequent red light at Dodge Street but continued through after traffic cleared, before being stopped on Douglas Street. Crawford reportedly questioned the officer, asking which red light he had run, to which the officer responded that he ran two.
Crawford explained to the officer that he was on his way to watch his son wrestle. The Nebraska State Activities Association (NSAA) confirmed that a parade of champions preceded the championship matches on Saturday, with Crawford’s son among the first competitors.
Previous Traffic Stop and Ongoing Legal Matters
This latest citation comes as Crawford is already awaiting an April trial related to a careless driving ticket he received last September. That incident occurred the morning after a parade was held in his honor following his historic victory over Canelo Alvarez, becoming the first boxer to capture unified division titles in three weight classes. During that earlier stop, Crawford and three passengers were ordered out of the vehicle at gunpoint after an officer observed a firearm inside the car. According to reports, a member of Crawford’s security team possessed a legally carried firearm, and everyone in the vehicle was legally permitted to carry weapons.
Qasim Shabazz, head of Crawford’s security team and as well the head of the Black Agenda Alliance in Omaha, described that earlier encounter as “a nightmare,” stating there was “no reason to have drawn guns on us.” He suggested the police response was an unnecessary escalation. The three passengers from that stop filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Omaha in December, alleging unconstitutional use of force and discrimination, though Crawford did not join the suit.
Details of Saturday’s Incident and Potential Charges
In Saturday’s incident, Crawford was cited for violating a traffic control signal. The citation indicates that the responding officer was positioned on the northwest corner of 14th and Capitol Streets, facing southbound, when he observed the alleged infraction. The penalty for running a red light in Nebraska can vary, but typically includes a fine and court costs. WOWT reports that Crawford is now facing two separate traffic court cases.
Stakeholders and Community Reaction
The repeated police stops have drawn attention from the Omaha community and sparked discussions about potential racial profiling. While police maintain they are enforcing traffic laws, some observers question whether Crawford is being subjected to heightened scrutiny due to his profile as a high-profile athlete. The Reddit thread that initially brought attention to the incident included comments expressing concern over the repeated interactions between Crawford and law enforcement.
The Omaha Police Department has not released a statement regarding Saturday’s traffic stop beyond the details contained in the citation. The department previously defended its actions in the September incident, stating officers acted according to protocol when a firearm was observed in the vehicle.
Next Steps and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Crawford is scheduled to appear in court in April for the trial related to the September careless driving ticket. A court date for the new citation regarding the alleged red light violation has not yet been set. The outcome of these cases could have implications for Crawford’s public image and potentially lead to further legal challenges. The federal lawsuit filed by the passengers from the September incident is also ongoing, and its resolution could shed light on the policies and practices of the Omaha Police Department.
This is a developing story. Readers can find updates on the case through the Douglas County Court website and local news outlets such as WOWT and 13abc.
If you or someone you understand is struggling with the emotional impact of a police encounter, resources are available. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support and information at https://www.nami.org/. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
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