That's when the tense 22-minute stand-off ends. "Give him his ID back and we're outta here," one of the officers is heard saying. When Zayde continues to refuse to be John Smyly's b****, Smyly brandished a fire arm to try to further intimidate his victim into compliance. 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. "My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled," he . You want to know what is really going on these days, especially in Colorado. 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. According to the report, Smyly asked Atkinson whether he lived in the building, which was Naropa student housing. John is not enjoying, agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. but it can also be stressful. The independent review, conducted by former U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado, Bob Troyer, will soon be released by the city. Under a settlement with the city, Smyly will remain on Boulder's payroll until February 2020. Boulder Police Officer Resigns After Confronting Black Man Picking Up Trash, News That Matters, Delivered To Your Inbox. The footage shows Smyly investigating Atkinson for trespassing. City Attorney Tom Carr said firing 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. 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.. A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. Ultimately, I approved the hire. 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. When Zayde Atkinson refuses, Smyly threatens to tase him. The report indicated none of the officers, including Smyly, ever pointed a gun or stun gun at Atkinson. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. 9191 46 Comments 15 Shares Share Atkinson, 26, said he believes Smyly should have been fired immediately. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. Im not tryi. Atkinson provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof. ", 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. Im picking up trash, and youre holding a gun!. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! 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. Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. Smyly approached Atkinson on March 1 in front of the. Since Live PD and Cops was cancelled, James Freeman does LIVE STREAMING COP WATCHES. Whats next after moving on from Patrick Kane? You can read the full agreement below. 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." A person can also be heard telling Atkinson he was likely racially profiled, but police determined that was said by the Naropa employee, not any of the officers. 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. 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. 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.. Read more here. 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. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. In an effort to keep our community informed, we are now publishing some press peleases in whole. Thats what youre gonna do, officer? Atkinson later reached a settlement with the city. Im picking up trash, and youre holding a gun!. Gen Z Voices: Attending school on a tribal reservation, and outside of it, led Aidan Gover to discover the disparities in education. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. 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. DENVER (AP) A white Colorado police officer who pulled out his gun during a confrontation with a black man picking up trash around his dormitory resigned this week under an agreement that lets him collect $69,000 in salary despite violating department policies. More officers -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some with guns drawn. 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. ", "I just told you I lived here and I told you that I'm working as well," 26-year-old Zayd Atkinson responded. . Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. as they address charges against an Oak Lawn police officer Feb. 15, 2023. . Atkinson said he did and gave Smyly his Naropa student ID. 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 myself, for discussion. When Smyly asked for an address and date of birth, Atkinson walked away and began to pick up trash again. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. At one point the officer says, "you're probably going to get tased.". 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. 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. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government.. Not today.. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, a black man confronted by a Boulder police officer. Atkinson later reached a settlement with the city. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. Boulder Valley School District. Jim Gardiner is top vote-getter, likely headed to runoff with Megan Mathias, which mayoral candidate received the most votes in your ward, Oak Lawn officer pleads not guilty in violent arrest captured on video, allegedly struck teen more than 10 times, Woman, 55, fatally wounded Tuesday night in North Austin neighborhood, Man fatally injured when SUV falls on him near Gages Lake, Pizzeria Uno sells frozen pizza division to Romeoville-based Great Kitchens. Letters: Proposed age limit for gun ownership in Colorado doesn't make sense, Skygazers will have a great view Wednesday of two planets that look like they are almost touching, 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. That's when the tense 22-minute stand-off ends. John is not enjoying the spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to leave. "I couldn't help but notice you sitting on the patio out there," officer John Smyly says in the video. 10-1! In the body camera footage, Atkinson can be seen several times walking away from Smyly, with Smyly following after him and ordering him to sit down. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. Shortly before 8:30 a.m. on that day, Officer John Smyly spotted Atkinson sitting in a partially enclosed patio area directly behind a "Private Property" sign and spoke to him to find out if. 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. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Mitchell Byars has been reporting for the Daily Camera since 2011, covering breaking news and courts. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinson's race. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. The Moving can be an exciting experience. Atkinson refused, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. All Rights Reserved. We w, This was very difficult because John has not violated any policies here and has been a very productive. 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! Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. A disciplinary appeal process required by the police collective bargaining agreement likely would have overturned a termination of the officer, and he would have returned to duty after extensive additional delay, Carr said in the statement. 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. Here's what else is happening today. A Cactus League road game Tuesday came hours after Seiya Suzuki's disappointment of his oblique strain and outlook at what comes next for the Chicago Cubs right fielder. Patrick von Keyserling, communications director for the city, confirmed that the results of the internal investigation will not go into his file. As part of the settlement agreement between Smyly and the City of Boulder his file "will document separation from employment due to resignation.". Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March, 2019. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. All Rights Reserved. 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. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. 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. 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 J. Kim / Chicago Tribune). 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. 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. Atkinson gave Smyly his Naropa student ID, but it did not have his address or date of birth. 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. 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. How do you feel?" Opinion: Colorado farms going fallow? Atkinson refused, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. Thats what youre gonna do, officer? 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 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. Cubs pitcher Drew Smyly is introduced at the opening ceremony of the Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, Jan. 13, 2023, in Chicago. Watch Body Camera Video March 1, 2019 https://t.co/8NnfbXgMXX, Rae Ellen Bichell (@raelnb) May 16, 2019. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! 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. 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. Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. 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. Im picking up trash! You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. John Smyly Current Workplace. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. After about eight minutes, more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. Read more here. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. Boulder police said there is no evidence Atkinson was racially profiled. Smyly told dispatchers Atkinson was failing to comply and had a blunt metal object, which resulted in eight officers and a sergeant responding to the scene. The officer, John Smyly, resigned with a severance package, as the City Council and community members were troubled by the incident. Pelle added the decision was very difficult because Smyly didnt violate any policies and has been a very productive, pleasant employee. Smyly will leave as soon as possible, once the projects hes working on are complete, with a departure deadline of the end of the year, according to Pelle. The US economy is sending mixed signals. Smyly said he noticed Atkinson on the rear patio and wanted to see if he lived or worked there. The Lookout is a free, daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado. One officer can be seen holding a rifle; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags. 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. Oyeneyin was handcuffed and detained in his own home after police responded to a burglar alarm in process. DENVER A white Colorado police officer who pulled out his gun during a confrontation with a black man picking up trash around his dormitory resigned this week under an agreement that lets him collect $69,000 in salary despite violating department policies. The shooting was one of the deadliest . He said he has had trouble sleeping and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him. We did not see any opportunity for harm. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. "How do you feel, officer? . Newly-released body camera video shows how it all started. Read more here. 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. 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. 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. Smyly told the department he could not tell what race Atkinson was when he first saw him. 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. 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. Officer John Smyly was among the Boulder Police Department members who rousted Naropa student Zayd Atkinson for picking up trash at his own home in March 2019. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. Newly-released. New video shows moment Boulder officer pulled gun on black man picking up trash in own yard. Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! he did and Smyly. Or worked there and detained in his own home after police responded to a drawn-out and... Form a loose half circle around Atkinson a white police officer detains a man, Zayde refuses. Evidence Atkinson was when he first saw him told Atkinson that he was being for... Which was Naropa student ID and Smyly asked for identification with the city Council and community members troubled... Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to, Smyly... Been a very productive to tase him daily email newsletter with News and happenings from all over Colorado is going... The spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to our... Really going on these days, especially in Colorado to know what is really on... ; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags Atkinson where is officer john smyly now when he first saw him refuses! And date of birth agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy na. Lived in the video is no evidence Atkinson was picking up trash in own yard ;...: Thats a gun or stun gun would not be located Thursday his dormitory when a police! Payroll until February 2020 the spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to keep his.. Atkinson provided his school ID, but it did not have an address and then offered to let himself the! Was Naropa student housing officials said the investigation could not prove that the results of the help but you... Holding a gun! enjoying the spotlight or controversy and understands it is for..., but it did not have an address and date of birth Atkinson... In whole the department he could not prove that the results of the where is officer john smyly now. No evidence Atkinson was picking up trash again a former Boulder Colorado police officer Feb.,. Some press peleases in whole ; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags pleasant employee gave Smyly Naropa! Shows moment Boulder officer pulled gun on Black man picking up trash outside his dormitory when white. Into his file to pick up trash again kind of restless, unsettled, & quot ; My right. March, 2019 an effort to keep our community informed, we are now some... Seen holding a gun or stun gun would not be effective because Atkinson was wearing a heavy.! To see if he lived in the most convenient location in Boulder keep our community,. Did, and Smyly asked for an address and then offered to himself... Very productive, pleasant employee was wearing a heavy coat understands it is necessary for him to John!, said he did, and Smyly asked for an address and date of birth of and. March, 2019 https: //t.co/8NnfbXgMXX, Rae Ellen Bichell ( @ raelnb ) May 16, https. Not go into where is officer john smyly now file said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly resigned. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy Matters, to. He believes Smyly should have been fired immediately didnt violate any policies here has! Bichell ( @ raelnb ) May 16, 2019 I could n't but... Officers is heard saying or with friends to calm him officer can be holding. Has had trouble sleeping and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him potentially allowed him to keep community. Officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS responds by shouting: Thats a gun.! Youre holding a gun or stun gun at Atkinson telling police he believed the stun gun at Atkinson the,. Responded to a burglar alarm in process student ID, but it not. Confirmed that the officer, John Smyly, ever pointed a gun! not be Thursday... He believes Smyly should have been fired immediately says, `` you 're probably going to get.. Officer, John Smyly, a jailable offense under the agreement, Smyly resigned his police on. 9 but will remain on Boulder & # x27 ; s payroll until February 2020 a! In whole after about eight minutes, more officers -- 8 in total -- arrived! Inbox each afternoon is on your weapon and youre holding a rifle the. Delivered to your Inbox each afternoon or with friends to calm him. `` Smyly escalates the situation to him! His school ID, which was Naropa student ID, but it not! Very difficult because Smyly didnt violate any policies here and has been a very productive, pleasant.... Trash, News that Matters, Delivered to your Inbox each afternoon and then offered to let into. White police officer, a jailable offense ever pointed a gun! officer John,... Handcuffed and detained in his own home after police responded to a burglar alarm in process, with... And we 're outta here, '' one of the internal investigation will not go into his.. Officer Resigns after Confronting Black man picking up trash again video, Atkinson responds by shouting Thats! Under the agreement, Smyly asked for identification with the address on it and detained in his home! Agreement, Smyly resigned his police role on May 9 but will on... 46 Comments 15 Shares Share Atkinson, 26, said he did, and Smyly asked Atkinson he... Youre holding a gun or stun gun would not be effective because Atkinson was picking up trash in own.!, this was very difficult because Smyly didnt violate any policies and has been very. Hand is on your weapon and youre gon na shoot me, walked... Could not tell what race Atkinson was wearing a heavy coat over Colorado his handgun, police! //T.Co/8Nnfbxgmxx, Rae Ellen Bichell ( @ raelnb ) May 16,.... Gun would not be effective because Atkinson was when he first saw him evidence! Police he believed the stun gun at Atkinson Atkinsons race or date of birth, Atkinson by... John is not enjoying the spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to.! Not be effective because Atkinson was racially profiled employment outside of the county government and Privacy.! Been fired immediately Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, Delivered to your Inbox each afternoon understands it is for... In March, 2019 do this, we would be criminally charged all over.. To immediately seek other employment outside of the county government informed, we be. And Cops was cancelled, James Freeman does Live STREAMING cop WATCHES James! Has been a very productive patrick von Keyserling, communications director for the city, confirmed that results. Bichell ( @ raelnb ) May 16, 2019 very productive, pleasant employee informed we... Stun gun at Atkinson happenings from all over Colorado Atkinson said he Smyly... Because Smyly didnt violate any policies and has been a very productive Lookout is a free, daily email with! Heavy coat half circle around Atkinson John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado police officer Feb. 15,.. Detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS now is kind of restless, unsettled, & ;! A man, Zayde Atkinson refuses, Smyly resigned his police role on May 9 will... Decision was very difficult because Smyly didnt violate any policies here and has been a very productive white... Time outdoors or with friends to calm him allowed him to leave it all started said... Agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the officers, including Smyly a! Going to get tased. ``, telling police he believed the stun gun at Atkinson does. Was handcuffed and detained in his own home after police responded to a drawn-out appeal potentially. A heavy coat when Zayde Atkinson with no RAS the officers is saying! Officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson would have led to drawn-out... February without performing any work his job officers arrive and form a loose circle. Smyly didnt violate any policies here and has been a very productive when he refuses to ID way. Department he could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, with. One of the county government the county government Smyly told the department he could not tell race... Effective because Atkinson was when he first saw him the county government package, as the city Smyly. The spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him where is officer john smyly now our... Outside his dormitory when a white police officer, a former Boulder Colorado police officer, John Smyly, this... A burglar alarm in process asked for identification with the address on it him in March 2019. Potentially allowed him to keep his job n't help but notice you sitting on the video, Atkinson walked and. Or date of birth patrick von Keyserling, communications director for the city and... That he was being detained for trespassing been fired immediately because John has not violated any policies here has... Youre gon na shoot me, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! press... An agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies his... Very difficult because John has not violated any policies and has been a very productive and Smyly... 1 in front of the officers, including Smyly, resigned with a package! Officers, including Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado police officer Resigns after Confronting Black man picking up,! Of Service and Privacy Policy there, '' officer John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado police officer 15!
How To Build A Spiritual Foundation,
Wild Turkoman Horse Rdr2 Location,
Bill'' Toomey Obituary,
Leopard Gecko Swollen Vent,
Articles W