Terence Crawford’s Security Team Files Lawsuit Against Omaha Police Chief and Officers
OMAHA, Neb. — The head of security for world boxing champion Terence Crawford, Qasim Shabazz, and two other individuals have filed a federal lawsuit against Omaha’s police chief, Todd Schmaderer, and over a dozen officers. The lawsuit alleges that the officers violated their constitutional rights during a traffic stop in September.
The incident occurred on September 28, just hours after a parade was held in downtown Omaha to celebrate Crawford’s victory over Canelo Alvarez. Crawford, an Omaha native, was stopped on suspicion of reckless driving and was subsequently ticketed and released. Although Crawford is not a plaintiff in the lawsuit, his security team and the other vehicle occupants, George Williams and Nadia Metoyer, are seeking monetary damages for the alleged misconduct.
Allegations of Excessive Force and Discriminatory Traffic Stops
According to the lawsuit, Shabazz informed an officer that he was carrying a legal firearm, as required by his security job, just before the officer ordered everyone out of the vehicle at gunpoint. The lawsuit claims that the officers drew their weapons and pointed them at the occupants, despite Shabazz’s disclosure of his legal firearm. This, the plaintiffs argue, constitutes a violation of their Fourth Amendment rights against excessive force.
The lawsuit also alleges that the Omaha Police Department has a custom of making discriminatory traffic stops against Black people and that the officers involved in the incident were not adequately trained on constitutional limitations governing the use of force during encounters with citizens lawfully carrying firearms. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for physical, emotional, psychological, and dignitary injuries suffered as a result of the officers’ conduct.
Discrepancies in Police Account and Lawsuit Allegations
Police Chief Todd Schmaderer stated that the officers followed department policy during the incident, but the lawsuit claims that this policy violates the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition against excessive force. Additionally, there are discrepancies between the police account and the lawsuit allegations regarding the length of time the occupants were handcuffed, with the police chief stating it was 10 minutes and the lawsuit claiming it was 30 minutes.
It is essential to note that all occupants of the vehicle were legally permitted to carry firearms, and the police confirmed this after the incident. The lawsuit highlights the importance of proper training and adherence to constitutional rights, especially during interactions with lawfully armed citizens.
Seeking Justice and Accountability
The lawsuit filed by Shabazz, Williams, and Metoyer seeks to hold the Omaha Police Department and the officers involved accountable for their actions. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages and a recognition of the violations of their constitutional rights. As the case proceeds, it will be crucial to examine the evidence and determine the facts surrounding the incident to ensure that justice is served and that the rights of all individuals are protected.
The incident and subsequent lawsuit have raised important questions about police conduct and the use of force during traffic stops. As the case unfolds, it will be essential to consider the implications for law enforcement policies and practices, particularly regarding interactions with lawfully armed citizens and the potential for discriminatory traffic stops.
