"My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled," he said. By. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! Boulder Valley School District is part of the K-12 Schools industry, and located in Colorado, United States. "How do you feel, officer? He tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him. The subject officer should have ended his contact with Mr. Atkinson as soon as Mr. Atkinson provided his name, address and a brief explanation of what he was doing.. Boulder police said there is no evidence Atkinson was racially profiled. The investigation found officer John Smyly violated two department policies and found no evidence to support a claim of racial profiling. Sheriff Pelle might be surprised if he were to poll his Black employees the limited number he has to hear their position on Smyly being hired after Smylys racist incident as an officer, Darren OConnor wrote in an email on behalf of the local NAACP chapter. Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. The former Boulder police officer who resigned after pointing a gun at a Black Naropa student has agreed to leave his temporary civilian position with the Boulder County Sheriffs Office after complaints from the Boulder County NAACP chapter. The officer, John Smyly, resigned with a severance package, as the City Council and community members were troubled by the incident. Atkinsons attorney Siddhartha Rathod said he was disappointed Smyly was not fired and instead was allowed to resign and remain on the citys payroll until 2020. Smyly was hired by the sheriffs office in January on a two-year term position as a civilian training and development coordinator in the sheriffs computer support unit. The report concluded Smyly violated department policy during the encounter with Atkinson. Atkinson repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong. (Tribune photo by Nancy Stone). The US economy is sending mixed signals. 10-1! The report released with the video said Smyly had no authority to detain Atkinson or probable cause to charge him with any crime and should have left once Atkinson provided his name, address and his reason for being there. The officer allegedly struck a Bridgeview teen more than 10 times in the face and head as he was laying face down in the street during an arrest captured on video last July. Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. He said he has had trouble sleeping and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. . Youre gonna shoot a resident on his property for picking up trash?, Zayd Atkinsons attorney, Siddhartha Rathod: "Boulder either lacks the ability or will to root out racism from this police department. https://t.co/hYSl9TRy3x, Blair Miller (@blairmiller) May 16, 2019, Smyly drew his gun when the two men reached the back of the building, an investigative summary said. Smyly said he noticed Atkinson on the rear patio and wanted to see if he lived or worked there. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. Simon and Sally Glass say findings vindicate their belief that their son was murdered by Clear Creek County sheriff's deputies. Its the day after Election Day. and I wish to inform you of the resolution to the issue, Our staff spoke to John Smyly yesterday concerning the controversy over his temporary position here. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. Newly-released . He then told Atkinson that he was obstructing a police officer, a jailable offense. Smyly later told Atkinson that he was being detained for trespassing. New video shows moment Boulder officer pulled gun on black man picking up trash in own yard. "Shouldn't that be enough for you?". The other responding officers were cleared of any wrongdoing by the report, but the department said the encounter has uncovered the need for further training. As many as 700,000 Illinois residents could lose Medicaid health coverage this year, Cactus League report: Drew Smyly is working with a Cubs new catcher and the White Soxs opportunistic plan on the bases. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, a black man confronted by a Boulder police officer. Here's what else is happening today. The Moving can be an exciting experience. After about eight minutes, more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. Under a settlement with the city, Smyly will remain on Boulder's payroll until February 2020. We would immediately lose our jobs."In a statement, City Attorney Tom Carr said firing the officer, John Smyly, would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job . All Rights Reserved. Incumbent Daniel La Spata nears outright victory but may face Sam Royko in runoff, while Proco Joe Moreno falls short, Seat held by Ald. An internal affairs investigation found the officer "did not have probable cause to charge Atkinson with any crime" and "should have ended his contact" as soon as Atkinson gave him his name and address. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. Pelle wrote that his initial hiring approval was based on Smyly being the best candidate for the job, which was a temporary, non-enforcement job with no public contact or representation.. The subject officers decision to attempt to detain Mr. Atkinson was not supported by reasonable suspicion that Mr. Atkinson was committing, or was about to commit a crime, therefore he did not have authority to detain Mr. Atkinson, the report read. When our staff interviewed the candidates for this term position, Smyly was the best qualified applicant. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. At about 8:20 a.m., Smyly was in his patrol car when he saw Atkinson "from a distance" at 2333 Arapahoe Ave. "manipulating an unknown object in his left hand." Smyly drove closer and observed. A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. He is originally from Hawaii and enjoys the beach, camping, golf, beer and writing third-person bios about himself that exaggerate how outdoorsy he is. Opinion: Colorado farms going fallow? Keyserling could not say if an officer still employed with the city would have the record included in their file. An internal affairs investigation found the officer "did not have probable cause to charge Atkinson with any crime" and "should have ended his contact" as soon as Atkinson gave him his name and address. TwoFeather. . While the department said it could not support a claim of racial profiling in Smylys March 1 encounter with Zayd Atkinson, he did violate two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct. As part of a settlement with the city, Smyly remained under city employment until February as he exhausted accrued holiday, sick and administrative leave. John is not enjoying the spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to leave. abcnews.go.com Police officer who pulled gun on black man picking up trash quits force Ex-Boulder Officer John Smyly was found in violation of department policy. The term position John fills is in an unsworn, civilian position, and is not in a public-facing role, Wagner wrote in an email to the Camera. Officers were able to talk to Atkinson and a Naropa employee who responded to the scene and confirmed Atkinson was a student and lived in the building. "I couldn't help but notice you sitting on the patio out there," officer John Smyly says in the video. Based upon your concerns over the hire of former Boulder Police Department Officer John Smyly in the computer support section of the sheriffs office, the hire was given another review. BOULDER, Colo. -- New video shows the heated encounter that went viral back in March -- a black man confronted by a Boulder police officer while picking up trash in his own yard. We would immediately lose our jobs."In a statement, City Attorney Tom Carr said firing the officer, John Smyly, would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job . BOULDER, Colo. -- New video shows the heated encounter that went viral back in March -- a black man confronted by a Boulder police officer while picking up trash in his own yard. Since Live PD and Cops was cancelled, James Freeman does LIVE STREAMING COP WATCHES. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Embattled NC sheriff resigns again before DA details accusations against him in court. He then told Atkinson that he was obstructing a police officer, a jailable offense. Smyly later told Atkinson that he was being detained for trespassing. Smyly resigned prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process, but police indicated the process would have likely resulted in suspension or termination. Smyly said he noticed Atkinson on the rear patio and wanted to see if he lived or worked there. According to the report, Smyly asked Atkinson whether he lived in the building, which was Naropa student housing. We have been engaged in race equity training and discussions and are committed to continuing those efforts and working with county staff on whatever tools might help us in those efforts. Atkinson said he did and gave Smyly his Naropa student ID. Boulder police said there is no evidence Atkinson was racially profiled. ", A police internal affairs report obtained by ABC News shows Smyly's decision to attempt to detain Atkinson "was not supported by reasonable suspicion that Mr. Atkinson was committing, had committed, or was about to commit a crime. Now that the two candidates have been determined for the runoff election for Chicago mayor, more of the aldermanic races are becoming clearer. The settlement allowed the city to provide the community information more quickly, and it transitioned Officer Smyly out of a law enforcement career.. In this undated photo provided by lawyer Siddhartha Rathod, Zayd Atkinson poses for a photo. Stop!. The report released with the video said Smyly had no authority to detain Atkinson or probable cause to charge him with any crime and should have left once Atkinson provided his name, address and his reason for being there. Smyly drew his stun gun and followed Atkinson to the back of the building, repeatedly telling him to sit down on the ground and put the weapon down, referring to the trash tool. Listen now. Ed Burke since 1969 won by Jeylu Gutierrez, Ald. Smyly decided to approach Atkinson on foot, and saw that he was using a long metal claw to pick up trash and put it in a bucket. A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez declares victory over political machine, Billionaires son emerges as winner, set on addressing crime and development, Embattled Ald. He will receive commensurate pay and benefits during that period and a single, lump sum payment for any accrued and unused vacation time when his employment officially ends Feb. 9. "My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled," he . Old post, but he moved to Longmont, CO and became a rent a cop, according to his LinkedIn.Funny he changed his display name to John S., but didn't change the URL from his full name. This was very difficult because John has not violated any policies here and has been a very productive, pleasant employee. The exchange between Officer Smyly and Mr. Atkinson does not represent the professionalism of the Boulder Police Department nor the community Boulder desires to be. Atkinson provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof. Lance Storz, 50, was found dead of an apparent suicide Tuesday morning at the Pike County Detention Center, where he was being held on three murder charges, Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt said Tuesday. The City of Boulder released a statement Thursday saying, "while the finding likely would have resulted in suspension or possibly termination, Officer Smyly resigned prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process. At this point, Smyly called in for a cover car and told Atkinson he was obstructing a police officer and was detaining him and investigating him for trespass. but it can also be stressful. We will try to b his position and transfer the work and have him finish the projects he has in progress on our RMS replacement so that we dont have to start over. "I will not sit down, I refuse to sit down, until you guys put your (expletive) weapons away," Atkinson said. If you know what department Smyly is working it, please email that information to realjamesfreeman@gmail.com, so I can publicly publish that information, warning potential new victims.ID Refusal by Boulder Colorado man, Zayde Atkinson results in threats and officer John Smyly brandishing a fire arm.email videos you want covered on this channel to Realjamesfreeman@gmail.com James Freeman does first amendment audits, cop watching, cop blocking, and more. Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. "I will not sit down, I refuse to sit down, until you guys put your (expletive) weapons away," Atkinson said. One officer drew his handgun when he arrived but reholstered it in less than a minute, while Smyly had his gun out until Atkinson put the trash-grabbing tool down, according to the summary. Stop!. When Smyly asked for an address and date of birth, Atkinson walked away and began to pick up trash again. While it found Smyly violated department policy, the report indicated there was not enough evidence to support racial bias being a factor. Smyly drew his stun gun and followed Atkinson to the back of the building, repeatedly telling him to sit down on the ground and put the weapon down, referring to the trash tool. Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. Stop!. One officer can be seen holding a rifle; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags. All Rights Reserved. The former Boulder police officer who resigned after pointing a gun at a Black Naropa student has taken a temporary civilian position with the Boulder County Sheriffs Office. Smyly can be heard saying, You have a dangerous object in your hand and you are failing to put it down., When Atkinson points out you are holding a gun, while he has a trash grabber, Smyly says, I feel threatened because you are not putting it down., Atkinson at several points asks for Smylys supervisor and says, Youre not going to get away with murder. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. He can be heard saying in the body cam video, Youre probably going to get tased in a second, because you have a weapon. Smyly then drew his handgun, telling police he believed the stun gun would not be effective because Atkinson was wearing a heavy coat. TV Q&A: Is a Pittsburgher writing for CBSs East New York? ", "I just told you I lived here and I told you that I'm working as well," 26-year-old Zayd Atkinson responded. Officer John Smyly (Photo: Boulder Police Department) "I couldn't help but notice you sitting on the patio out there," officer John Smyly says in the video. Boulder is essentially saying were going to pay this officer and let him resign for threatening Zayds life, for racially profiling Zayd, said Atkinsons attorney, Siddhartha Rathod. Rescuers searched through the burned-out wreckage of two trains that slammed into each other in northern Greece. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. Jalen Carter, a top NFL draft prospect and potential target for Bears, charged with reckless driving and racing in fatal accident, Want to see Venus and Jupiter together? Ex-Boulder Officer John Smyly was found in violation of department policy. Smyly drew his stun gun and followed Atkinson to the back of the building, repeatedly telling him to sit down on the ground and put the weapon down, referring to the trash tool. At about 8:20 a.m., Smyly was in his patrol car when he saw Atkinson "from a distance" at 2333 Arapahoe Ave. "manipulating an unknown object in his left hand." Smyly drove closer and observed. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. The footage shows Smyly investigating Atkinson for trespassing. The subject officer did not have probable cause to charge Mr. Atkinson with any crime. John is not enjoying, agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. . Im picking up trash! Located across the street from one another on Ohio Street in downtown Chicago, Pizzeria Uno and Due are owned by Uno Restaurant Holdings Corp., which announced it is selling its frozen pizza division to focus on expanding the restaurant franchise. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. Youre gonna shoot a resident on his property for picking up trash?, Smyly drew his gun when the two men reached the back of the building, an investigative summary said. According to a summary of the investigation released by Boulder police, Officer John Smyly was conducting extra patrols on March 1, 2019, in the area of Folsom Street and Arapahoe Avenue when. as they address charges against an Oak Lawn police officer Feb. 15, 2023. . Carr said the resignation agreement allowed the city to provide the community information more quickly, and it transitioned Officer Smyly out of a law enforcement career. The citys bargaining agreement with police officers requires an appeal for any disciplinary action and could have allowed Smyly to return to duty, he added. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government.. You want to know what is really going on these days, especially in Colorado. Wake up to the day's most important news. As part of the settlement agreement between Smyly and the City of Boulder his file "will document separation from employment due to resignation.". City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. Video of the incident from Smyly's body camera shows him detaining . We would immediately lose our jobs.. Thats what youre gonna do, officer? And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/breaking and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Police shooting verdict sparks protest in California: in pictures Show all 10 We did not see any opportunity for harm, he wrote. According to the report, Atkinson raised his voice and Smyly felt threatened by the trash grabber and drew his stun gun and then drew his handgun. Recordings emerged of Greene referring to deputies in his department as "Black bastards" and "snakes.". At about 8:20 a.m., Smyly was in his patrol car when he saw Atkinson from a distance at 2333 Arapahoe Ave. manipulating an unknown object in his left hand. Smyly drove closer and observed Atkinson for a minute and saw him seated on a bench in a patio area that had a sign that said private property.. Smyly approached Atkinson on March 1 in front of the condo-style building, where he was using a metal tool with a claw at its base to put trash into a bucket, according to the new footage. That's when the tense 22-minute stand-off ends. Youre gonna shoot a resident on his property for picking up trash?, Smyly drew his gun when the two men reached the back of the building, an investigative summary said. We w, This was very difficult because John has not violated any policies here and has been a very productive. Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. He said he has had trouble sleeping and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream, a black man confronted by a Boulder police officer. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune). New video shows moment Boulder officer pulled gun on black man picking up trash in own yard. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! More officers -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some with guns drawn. Adler Planetarium says theyll be visible tonight, Grab a magic wand for potions class: Wizard-themed bar The Cauldron opens soon in Wicker Park, Column: Creed III is right on time, say stars Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors, Greek transport minister resigns after head-on train crash kills dozens, Eli Lilly plans to slash some insulin prices, expand cost cap, Long-lost ship found in Lake Huron, confirming tragic story, 10-1! To provide the community information more quickly, and located in Colorado, United States claim. 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