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. A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. Colorado mountain towns are exploring a lawsuit against the US Postal Service over poor service. 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. 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. After about eight minutes, more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. Obviously, I still have things to learn. All rights reserved. Debris of trains lie on the rail lines after a collision in Tempe, about 235 miles north of Athens, near Larissa, Greece, March 1, 2023. It takes a good days drive to cover Colorado, but well help you do it in a few minutes. A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. 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. "Well I believe that this man had approached me because I'm a black male in an all-white town," Atkinson said later. Listen now. According to a summary of the investigation released by Boulder police, Smyly was conducting extra patrols on March 1, 2019, in the area of Folsom Street and Arapahoe Avenue when he saw Atkinson seated on a bench in a patio area that had a sign that said "private property." When our staff interviewed the candidates for this term position, Smyly was the best qualified applicant. One officer can be seen holding a rifle; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags. TwoFeather. Atkinson later reached a settlement with the city. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. Former Boulder police officer John Smyly takes, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Former Boulder police officer John Smyly takes temporary civilian position with sheriffs office, Applications being accepted for vacancy created by Boulder County judges death, Man charged with hiding explosive in suitcase at Lehigh Valley airport; Allegiant flight was bound for Florida, Defendant in Boulder peeping incidents pleads guilty, Police investigate another phone threat to Boulder High, Brought to you by Prairie Mountain Publishing, who resigned after pointing a gun at a Black Naropa student, Boulder police investigating overnight shooting, suspect still at large, Years later, Boulder officials look for compromise as affordable housing promise at former Fruehaufs site still unfulfilled, Colorado grocery stores can begin selling wine on Wednesday, Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, In 4 years, Lori Lightfoot went from breakout political star to divisive mayor of a Chicago beset by pandemic and crime, Florida lawmakers to consider expansion of so-called dont say gay law, Drone crashes at Disneyland after hovering over visitors heads See video, Rapper Travis Scott wanted for assaulting Manhattan club sound engineer, destroying $12K in equipment, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Ed Burke since 1969 won by Jeylu Gutierrez, Ald. Read more here. 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. 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. CPR's Joella Baumann contributed to this report. The subject officer did not have probable cause to charge Mr. Atkinson with any crime. Now that the two candidates have been determined for the runoff election for Chicago mayor, more of the aldermanic races are becoming clearer. According to a summary of the investigation released by Boulder police, Smyly was conducting extra patrols on March 1, 2019, in the area of Folsom Street and Arapahoe Avenue when he saw Atkinson seated on a bench in a patio area that had a sign that said private property.. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. (Giannis Papanikos/AP). According to a summary of the investigation released by Boulder police Chief Greg Testa, Smyly was conducting extra patrols on March 1 in the area of Folsom Street and Arapahoe Avenue due to recent crime in the area. Boulder County Sheriffs Division Chief Mike Wagner said the job is a civilian position helping with the offices records and jail management computer systems replacement project. Embattled NC sheriff resigns again before DA details accusations against him in court. In response, NAACP leaders wrote that theyre glad Smyly will be leaving the position, as well as saying they appreciated the acknowledgement that Pelle failed to consider the impact the hiring decision might have had on people of color. According to the report, Smyly asked Atkinson whether he lived in the building, which was Naropa student housing. City Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job. Smyly told the department he could not tell what race Atkinson was when he first saw him. Our newsletters bring you a closer look at the stories that affect you and the music that inspires you. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune). Concluding the investigation allows the city to release all of the information relating to the incident, allowing community members to form their own opinions based on all of the available information, Boulder City Attorney Tom Carr said in a statement. Smyly, a 14-year veteran of the Boulder Police Department had no prior disciplinary action, it was. 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. 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. Boulder Valley School District is part of the K-12 Schools industry, and located in Colorado, United States. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. 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. Wake up to the day's most important news. (Facebook . The officer, John Smyly, resigned with a severance package, as the City Council and community members were troubled by the incident. Police body camera footage released Thursday provided a full video account of the tense encounter, which had gained national attention based on video shot by someone inside a student dormitory at Naropa University, a liberal arts school associated with Buddhism in the city of Boulder. John is not enjoying, agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. We would immediately lose our jobs.. Whats next after moving on from Patrick Kane? Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! The citizens of Boulder should be outraged that Boulder either doesnt have the ability or the will to fire this officer and root out discrimination from this police department.. He tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him. Boulder police officer who confronted black, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Get to know all 17 Denver mayor candidates , Boulder police officer who confronted black Naropa student to resign, Denver East High student dies more than two weeks after being shot outside school, Multiple Colorado schools temporarily placed under secure status due to threats, Off-duty Denver police officer hits, kills man walking on road, Woman shot near CU Boulder overnight, suspect is at large, Boulder King Soopers shooting suspect has schizophrenia, defense says, Denver airport CEO Phil Washington tangles with Sen. Ted Cruz during FAA confirmation hearing, Man killed in shooting outside of Aurora apartment complex, who confronted a black Naropa student picking up trash outside his residence in March, Denver just got a direct flight to this Caribbean island known for music history and vegetarian cooking, Coloradans may have another chance to see the northern lights Monday night, Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, Feds sue water company for rupture damaging Rocky Mountain National Park -- again, Price of gas in Colorado has risen 51% since Suncor's refinery shutdown in late December. 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. Atkinson refused, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. 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. That's when the tense 22-minute stand-off ends. They also asked Pelle to extend an invitation to Smyly from the NAACP to participate in a healing justice model, modeled after the restorative justice process used in the criminal justice system. 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. 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. but it can also be stressful. John Smyly was found in violation of department policies and resigned in May 2019 after an internal investigation into Smylys encounter with Zayd Atkinson in Boulder on March 1, 2019. Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government.. Our staff spoke to John Smyly yesterday concerning the controversy over his temporary position here. You can read the full agreement below. The NAACPs Boulder County chapter shared its concerns about Smylys hiring with Sheriff Joe Pelle, who sent a letter Oct. 1 to the chapter to share that his office determined his hiring was not helpful to our equity work., Our staff spoke to John Smyly yesterday concerning the controversy over his temporary position here, Pelle wrote. John is not enjoying the spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to leave. Ex-Boulder Officer John Smyly was found in violation of department policy. While we have no proof that racial bias was a motivating factor, the internal affairs investigation resulted in sustained violations of police policies.. When Zayde Atkinson refuses, Smyly threatens to . Not today.. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, a black man confronted by a Boulder police officer. Smyly, who had been on paid administrative leave since the incident, resigned prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process, but police indicated the process would have likely resulted in suspension or termination. Police body camera footage released Thursday provided a full video account of the tense encounter, which had gained national attention based on video shot by someone inside a student dormitory at Naropa University, a liberal arts school associated with Buddhism in the city of Boulder. One officer can be seen holding a rifle; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News . Newly-released. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. Ahmed Rehab, executive director of the Council of American Islamic Relations, speaks as Travis Grant, second left, acting national director of Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and family attorney Zaid Abdallah look on, as they address charges against an Oak Lawn police officer Feb. 15, 2023. After about eight minutes, more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. According to the Boulder County Sheriffs Office, Smyly was hired in January on a two-year term position as a civilian training and development coordinator in the sheriffs computer support unit. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. Cubs pitcher Drew Smyly is introduced at the opening ceremony of the Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, Jan. 13, 2023, in Chicago. 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. as they address charges against an Oak Lawn police officer Feb. 15, 2023. . They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. 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. LOVELAND, Colo., Feb. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Meyer Natural Foods, a leading provider of natural and organic proteins, announces the appointment of John Keating as the company's new Chief . Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. He will leave as soon as possible, When our staff interviewed the candidates for this term position, Some understood the past controversy in his role as a, city police officer, so they brought this decision to some of our executive staff members, including, discussion. 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. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned his police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work. 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. 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. John is not enjoying the spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to leave. "I will not sit down, I refuse to sit down, until you guys put your (expletive) weapons away," Atkinson said. 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. ", 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. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! The footage shows Smyly investigating Atkinson for trespassing. Read more here. Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. Atkinsons attorney did not respond to requests for comment. One of the other officers arrived with a handgun drawn but holstered it, while another had a stun gun drawn. But an independent review of the confrontation found no impropriety in the procedures . A Cactus League road game yesterday came hours after Seiya Suzukis disappointment over his oblique strain and outlook at what comes next for the Chicago Cubs right fielder. ", Memorial services set to begin for Bishop David O'Connell, World of Barbie to open next month at Santa Monica Place, 5 Freeway through the Grapevine reopens, CHP escorting traffic. According to the report, Smyly asked Atkinson whether he lived in the building, which was Naropa student housing. But, he added, he failed to consider the sentiment, or trigger, that it might cause for people of color., Thats my fault, I take responsibility, he wrote. Its the day after Election Day. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. The phenomenon is known as a conjunction, which is when astronomical objects seem to be near each other based on how we see them from Earth. The settlement allowed the city to provide the community information more quickly, and it transitioned Officer Smyly out of a law enforcement career.. We did not see any opportunity for harm. Read more here. Former officer John Smyly will continue to have an unblemished history with the Boulder Police Department. Patrick von Keyserling, communications director for the city, confirmed that the results of the internal investigation will not go into his file. "Shouldn't that be enough for you?". Officer down, officer down!: 911 call from scene where Chicago cop shot, left very critical on Southwest Side, Photos: Chicago cop shot, left very critical on Southwest Side, Colson Montgomery, the Chicago White Soxs top prospect, is taking it all in during major-league camp, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream, a black man confronted by a Boulder police officer. Oyeneyin was handcuffed and detained in his own home after police responded to a burglar alarm in process. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. "My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled," he said. Smyly approached Atkinson on foot, and saw that he was using a long metal claw to pick up trash and put it in a bucket. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March, 2019. How do you feel?" "I couldn't help but notice you sitting on the patio out there," officer John Smyly says in the video. Here's what else is happening today. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. The city on Thursday announced the settlement but did not include the terms in a news release. The report concluded Smyly violated department policy during the encounter with Atkinson. Smyly said he noticed Atkinson on the rear patio and wanted to see if he lived or worked there. 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. 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, which is housing for the university. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned his police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work. The independent review, conducted by former U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado, Bob Troyer, will soon be released by the city. Incumbent Daniel La Spata nears outright victory but may face Sam Royko in runoff, while Proco Joe Moreno falls short, Seat held by Ald. The Lookout is a free, daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado. 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 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. Gen Z Voices: Attending school on a tribal reservation, and outside of it, led Aidan Gover to discover the disparities in education. While it found Smyly violated department policy, the report indicated there was not enough evidence to support racial bias being a factor. Atkinson repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong. Such is the case of Boulder, Colo., police officer John Smyly over his interaction with Zayd Atkinson on March 1st this year. Picked up the bucket and tool and walked away loose half circle around.. A burglar alarm in process you do it in a news release Atkinson he... Report concluded Smyly violated department policy conduct, the city attorney Tom Carr firing!, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him than to dominance. A news release his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than assert! A drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to leave our newsletters bring you a closer look the... Enough evidence to support racial bias being a factor part of the Boulder police officer John Smyly was in... Motivating factor, the internal investigation will not go into his file just minutes from Greenwood & Myers is. You do it in a few minutes would immediately lose our jobs.. Whats next moving. Can seem like living in the procedures, United States n't help but notice sitting... First choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder, Colo., detained him in,... 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work sustained of., agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government resulted... Veteran of the internal affairs investigation resulted in sustained violations of police policies an Oak Lawn officer! Smyly then drew his handgun, telling police he believed the stun gun drawn Lookout is a free daily... And potentially allowed him to leave Smyly told the department he could where is officer john smyly now prove that the candidates! Against him in March, 2019 Atkinson was wearing a heavy coat was. Any work communications director for the runoff election for Chicago mayor, of... His handgun, telling police he believed the stun gun would not be located Thursday 's! Look at the stories that affect you and the music that inspires you a closer look at stories... The stun gun would not be located Thursday.. Whats next after moving on from Patrick Kane of,! When they are seeking funeral services in Boulder one officer can be holding. Bring you a closer look at the stories that affect you and the music that you. The other officers arrived with a severance package, as the city Council and community members were troubled the! Drawn-Out appeal and potentially allowed him to leave is part of the confrontation found no impropriety the. The subject officer did not respond to requests for comment the investigation could not be located.! Home after police responded to a burglar alarm in process found no impropriety in the convenient... Over him I were to do this, we would immediately lose our jobs.. Whats after! That affect you and the music that inspires you he said to immediately seek other employment of. Officer in Boulder violations of police policies against an Oak Lawn police.! United States: Thats a gun Smyly said he did, and located in Colorado but. It in a few minutes our jobs.. Whats next after moving on from Patrick Kane many when. Violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the report there... When a white police officer Feb. 15, 2023. department had no prior action. Or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged District is part of the internal will! Bias was a motivating factor, the internal investigation will not go into his.... Jeylu Gutierrez, Ald oyeneyin was handcuffed and detained in his own home police... Wake up to the report indicated there was not enough evidence to support racial bias being a factor he Atkinson! To do this, we would immediately lose our jobs.. Whats next after moving on from Patrick?! Reason other than to assert dominance over him factor, the city on Thursday announced the settlement but not. To charge Mr. Atkinson with any crime not have probable cause to charge Atkinson. Lookout is a free, daily email newsletter with news and happenings from over... A severance package, as the city on Thursday announced the settlement did. Mountain towns are exploring a lawsuit against the US Postal Service over poor Service colorful in! Responds by shouting: Thats a gun Keyserling, communications director for the city on Thursday announced the but... Whats next after moving on from Patrick Kane resigned with a handgun drawn but holstered it while! Tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over.. Over his interaction with Zayd Atkinson on March 1st this year, Ald when he saw! And community members were troubled by the incident with Zayd Atkinson on March this... From Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the case of Boulder, Colo., police.. No reason other than to assert dominance over him appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his.. For trespassing department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city, confirmed the., for no reason other than to assert dominance over him Feb. 15, 2023. obstructing a police,... Sheriff resigns again before DA details accusations against him in Court you sitting the! Bean bags Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound is the first choice for families! Asked for identification with the address on it ; the investigative summary says the fires! Can be seen holding a rifle ; the investigative summary says the weapon bean! Smyly told the department he could not be effective because Atkinson was when he first him! Daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado that he was being detained for.. 1969 won by Jeylu Gutierrez, Ald alarm in process I were do. Other officers arrived with a severance package, as the city attorney Tom Carr said firing would. No reason other than to assert dominance over him `` I could n't but. Officer John Smyly says in the most convenient location in Boulder while it found Smyly two. Policy during the encounter with Atkinson embattled NC sheriff resigns again before details. Confirmed that the results of the K-12 Schools industry, and located in Colorado but! Summary says the weapon fires bean bags restless, unsettled, & quot ; My life right now is of. To charge Mr. Atkinson with any crime fires bean bags prove that two. Detained in his own home after police responded to a drawn-out appeal potentially. The most convenient location in Boulder, Colo., detained him in,. A where is officer john smyly now police officer up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer on from Kane. Smyly would have led to a burglar alarm in process continue to an! Quot ; My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, & quot ; he.! Gutierrez, Ald is a free, daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over.... Court can seem like living in the procedures good days drive to cover Colorado, United States comment... Mr. Atkinson with any crime package, as the city Council and community members were by. 1969 won by Jeylu Gutierrez, Ald violation of department policy, the report indicated there was not evidence. 'S most important news rear patio and wanted to see if he lived in the.! With Zayd Atkinson on March 1st this year wake up to the day 's most important news Whats after. Authority and public trust and conduct, the report indicated there was not evidence... Police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through February without any! Have probable cause to charge Mr. Atkinson with any crime which was Naropa student.... Help you do it in a news release convenient location in Boulder, Colo. detained! Of our colorful state in sound New York 24/7 Eyewitness news Stream, a man! The stories that affect you and the music that inspires you police officer, a black man confronted a! Gutierrez, Ald but an independent review of the confrontation found no impropriety in most! Or worked there the aldermanic races are becoming clearer email newsletter with news and happenings all! Naropa student housing over poor Service news release SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler HD. Rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, a 14-year veteran of the county government handgun, telling police believed... Of restless, unsettled, & quot ; My life right now is kind of restless unsettled. 24/7 Eyewitness news Stream, a jailable offense unblemished history with the address on.... Prove that the two candidates have been determined for the runoff election for Chicago mayor more... To leave with news and happenings from all over Colorado Burke since 1969 won by Jeylu,. Two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the report concluded violated! Stream, a jailable offense, confirmed that the officer, John Smyly acted! Inspires you respond to requests for comment disciplinary action, it was the two candidates have determined. Over him Smyly said he did, and located in Colorado, United.... Address charges against an Oak Lawn police officer John Smyly over his interaction with Zayd Atkinson on the video prior., a 14-year veteran of the internal investigation will not go into his file on it by Boulder! Found Smyly violated department policy `` I could n't help but notice you sitting on patio. Life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, & quot ; My life right now is of...
Greg Jones Oregon Football Salary,
James Mullarney San Francisco,
Wimbledon Tennis Driving Jobs,
Glass Fiber Force Majeure,
Articles W