where is officer john smyly now
Im not tryi. . 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. 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. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News . 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. YouTube file photo My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. I found this video of John Smyly, whom I met personally in Japan in 2003 and dont think hes a racist, reason why I decided to make this video. Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. as they address charges against an Oak Lawn police officer Feb. 15, 2023. . One officer can be seen holding a rifle; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags. pleasant employee. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. 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. Stop!. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. Officer John Smyly (Photo: Boulder Police Department) "Give him his ID back and we're outta here," one of the officers is heard saying. You want to know what is really going on these days, especially in Colorado. But Carr did elaborate on the decision not to fire or suspend Smyly in the statement. 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. According to the report, Smyly asked Atkinson if he lived there. Video of the incident from Smyly's body camera shows him detaining . When our staff interviewed the candidates for this term position, Smyly was the best qualified applicant. Atkinson refused, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. It takes a good days drive to cover Colorado, but well help you do it in a few minutes. In this undated photo provided by lawyer Siddhartha Rathod, Zayd Atkinson poses for a photo. 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. ", "I just told you I lived here and I told you that I'm working as well," 26-year-old Zayd Atkinson responded. How do you feel?" We failed to consider the sentiment, or trigger that it might cause for people of color. 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 . The incident has resulted in Boulder City Council forming a committee to explore a police oversight committee, while the incident is still under an independent review. 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. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. 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. He should have slept longer.. 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. City Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. The footage shows Smyly investigating Atkinson for trespassing. but it can also be stressful. Here's what else is happening today. Wagner said the office did not have any comment about Smylys history with Boulder police because the job isnt as an officer/deputy or in any way related to police officer/law enforcement duties., 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 Zayde continues to refuse to be John Smyly's b****, Smyly brandished a fire arm to try to further intimidate his victim into compliance. 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. The officer then called for back-up, leading to eight officers surrounding the college student. A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. "My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled," he . 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 was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March, 2019. He tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him. After about eight minutes, more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. Atkinson repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong. Read more here. One officer can be seen holding a rifle; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags. Wake up to the day's most important news. Stop!. ", 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. Our staff spoke to John Smyly yesterday concerning the controversy over his temporary position here. 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. Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. 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. We would immediately lose our jobs.. "I couldn't help but notice you sitting on the patio out there," officer John Smyly says in the video. City Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job. Simon and Sally Glass say findings vindicate their belief that their son was murdered by Clear Creek County sheriff's deputies. All Rights Reserved. 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. Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. Atkinson provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof. (Tribune photo by Nancy Stone). 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. We can help you keep up. 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. 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. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. 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. Smyly was allowed to resign, and is likely working for another department at this time. 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. 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. Smyly resigned prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process, but police indicated the process likely would have resulted in suspension or termination. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. By. 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.. Under a settlement with the city, Smyly will remain on Boulder's payroll until February 2020. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. Atkinson provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof. In an effort to keep our community informed, we are now publishing some press peleases in whole. 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. 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. The settlement allowed the city to provide the community information more quickly, and it transitioned Officer Smyly out of a law enforcement career.. As part of a settlement with the city, Smyly remained under city employment until February as he exhausted accrued holiday, sick and administrative leave. 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. Oyeneyin was handcuffed and detained in his own home after police responded to a burglar alarm in process. Cubs pitcher Drew Smyly is introduced at the opening ceremony of the Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, Jan. 13, 2023, in Chicago. Atkinson refused, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. Thats what youre gonna do, officer? Im picking up trash! Boulder police said it could not support a claim of racial profiling in the encounter, but Smyly was found to have violated two department policies. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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. More officers -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some with guns drawn. "Give him his ID back and we're outta here," one of the officers is heard saying. Read more here. Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. 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. John is not enjoying, agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. He did not mention the incident in his resignation letter. 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 . Tracking the Chicago Blackhawks moves before the NHL trade deadline. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. 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. Smyly said he noticed Atkinson on the rear patio and wanted to see if he lived or worked there. CPR's Joella Baumann contributed to this report. According to the report, Smyly asked Atkinson whether he lived in the building, which was Naropa student housing. John Smyly Current Workplace. "Well I believe that this man had approached me because I'm a black male in an all-white town," Atkinson said later. Im picking up trash! Newly-released . 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. The city on Thursday announced the settlement but did not include the terms in a news release. Its the day after Election Day. 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. Watch Body Camera Video March 1, 2019 https://t.co/8NnfbXgMXX, Rae Ellen Bichell (@raelnb) May 16, 2019. We did not see any opportunity for harm, he wrote. Listen now. That's when the tense 22-minute stand-off ends. 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. ", 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. ", "I just told you I lived here and I told you that I'm working as well," 26-year-old Zayd Atkinson responded. 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. All rights reserved. (Facebook . Such is the case of Boulder, Colo., police officer John Smyly over his interaction with Zayd Atkinson on March 1st this year. but it can also be stressful. Atkinson said he did, but did not elaborate when Smyly asked him what unit he lived in. He did not mention the incident in his resignation letter. The shooting was one of the deadliest . John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. It's like Live PD, except actually live, and without the \"cops can do no wrong\" bias.music in this videoLove Is Blind (Instrumental Version) - Coma Svenssonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u78BBpHcz44Wasted Education - Blue Topazhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqmKzeeDj54 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. Cubs pitcher Drew Smyly is introduced at the opening ceremony of . Ed Burke since 1969 won by Jeylu Gutierrez, Ald. The US economy is sending mixed signals. We have concluded this hire was not helpful to our equity work, and I wish to inform you of the resolution to the issue. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned his police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. The officer in Boulder left under an agreement that lets him collect salary despite violating department policies. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. Atkinson said he did and gave Smyly his Naropa student ID. We would immediately lose our jobs.. A video of the incident was posted to social media, and in it Atkinson can be heard telling police he is on his own property and is just picking up trash. My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. We appreciate that in your letter to us you have confirmed your commitment to the efforts of the county to address race and equity issues.. As part of the settlement agreement between Smyly and the City of Boulder his file "will document separation from employment due to resignation.". Thats what youre gonna do, officer? John Smyly has been working as a Officer John at Boulder Valley School District for 9 years. Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Amy Bounds covers K-12 education for the Boulder Daily Camera and Longmont Times-Call, Former Boulder police officer John Smyly to, 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 to leave Boulder County job, F. Murray Abraham to appear at Boulder International Film Festival, Erie Board of Trustees adopts current fire codes, Southbound U.S. 287 to close at Colo. 52 intersection for pipe installation work, Applications being accepted for vacancy created by Boulder County judges death, Brought to you by Prairie Mountain Publishing, Photos: Francis Street Structure Fire in Longmont, St. Nix toy store closes, may relocate in near future, Attorneys make opening arguments in Longmont murder trial, Several pets killed in Longmont apartment fire, Jury seated in Longmont murder trial, opening statements set for Tuesday, Longmont firefighters contain blaze at Francis Street apartment complex, Operation Wrecking Ball: Six men indicted by grand jury for stealing construction equipment, Passing the baton: Longmont Public Media co-founder and executive director Sergio Angeles leaving nonprofit, 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. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinson's race. Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. 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. Feds sue Fort Collins water company for a Grand River Ditch rupture that damaged Rocky Mountain National Park in 2017, Boulder County took a month or longer to notify inmates that the jail had exposed their Social Security numbers. Ex-Boulder Officer John Smyly was found in violation of department policy. We looked at this through the lens of safety and exposure. New video shows moment Boulder officer pulled gun on black man picking up trash in own yard. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. Im picking up trash! 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. (Giannis Papanikos/AP). 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. He shared that he slept on the decision, but he clearly didnt think about how it would land with the community or those few diverse members of his staff. Gen Z Voices: Attending school on a tribal reservation, and outside of it, led Aidan Gover to discover the disparities in education. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, a black man confronted by a Boulder police officer. The man he tried to bully and intimidate, Zayde Atkinson, NEVER gave in. Based upon this investigation and concerns it raised, the Boulder Police Department will be initiating additional officer training concerning effective de-escalation of incidents, the department wrote in a release. ", AccuWeather: AM showers before a mild afternoon, Extra Time: Breaking down massive NYC, NYPD settlement, Teammate facing charges in crash that killed local UGA player. . If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. 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. "I'm just checking to make sure that you have a right to be here, that's all. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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.. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! The city of Boulder is paying this officer nearly $80,000 for violating the constitutional rights of Zayd. As part of a settlement with the city, Smyly will resign from the police department today but will remain under city employment until February 2020 as he exhausts accrued holiday, sick and administrative leave. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. Our staff spoke to John Smyly yesterday concerning the controversy over his temporary position here. 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.. "Shouldn't that be enough for you?". 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. 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. Obviously, I still have things to learn.. One of the other officers arrived with a handgun drawn but holstered it, while another had a stun gun drawn. While we have no proof that racial bias was a motivating factor, the internal affairs investigation resulted in sustained violations of police policies.. 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. Former officer John Smyly will continue to have an unblemished history with the Boulder Police Department. The iconic deep dish chain is focusing on expanding its franchise restaurants. The officer was identified today as 40-year-old John Smyly, a 14-year veteran of the department with no prior disciplinary action. Read more here. We did not see any opportunity for harm. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! The Moving can be an exciting experience. 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. 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. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. 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.