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. Watch Body Camera Video March 1, 2019 https://t.co/8NnfbXgMXX, Rae Ellen Bichell (@raelnb) May 16, 2019. Read more here. 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. "Shouldn't that be enough for you?". More officers -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some with guns drawn. Listen now. Obviously, I still have things to learn. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. 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.. When Smyly asked for an address and date of birth, Atkinson walked away and began to pick up trash again. Thats what youre gonna do, officer? TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Ed Burke since 1969 won by Jeylu Gutierrez, Ald. Subscribe to more newsletters | COVID-19 tracker | Compare home values by ZIP code | Puzzles & Games | Daily horoscope | Ask Amy, 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. This was a temporary, non-enforcement job with no public contact or representation. Atkinson, 26, said he believes Smyly should have been fired immediately. Oyeneyin was handcuffed and detained in his own home after police responded to a burglar alarm in process. 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. 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. Im picking up trash, and youre holding a gun!. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. 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. While it found Smyly violated department policy, the report indicated there was not enough evidence to support racial bias being a factor. 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.. 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. Such is the case of Boulder, Colo., police officer John Smyly over his interaction with Zayd Atkinson on March 1st this year. When Zayde Atkinson refuses, Smyly threatens to . 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. According to the report, Smyly asked Atkinson whether he lived in the building, which was Naropa student housing. After about eight minutes, more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. Atkinson repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Our staff spoke to John Smyly yesterday concerning the controversy over his temporary position here. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinson's race. As part of a settlement with the city, Smyly remained under city employment until February as he exhausted accrued holiday, sick and administrative leave. 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. 2023 Colorado Public Radio. 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 Read more here. 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. pleasant employee. That's when the tense 22-minute stand-off ends. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. Venus, the moon, Mars, and Jupiter are all visible in the eastern sky above Lake Michigan before sunrise June 23, 2022, in Chicago. says Zayd Atkinson, while officer threatens to taze him, puts hand on gun, then 7 more arrive, all while Atkinson pick up trash at his residence. Stop!. He did not mention the incident in his resignation letter. 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! Smyly approached Atkinson on March 1 in front of the. By. 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. 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. Boulder police said there is no evidence Atkinson was racially profiled. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. One officer can be seen holding a rifle; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags. But Carr did elaborate on the decision not to fire or suspend Smyly in the statement. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March, 2019. "I couldn't help but notice you sitting on the patio out there," officer John Smyly says in the video. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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? Atkinsons attorney did not respond to requests for comment. Gen Z Voices: Attending school on a tribal reservation, and outside of it, led Aidan Gover to discover the disparities in education. Atkinson refused, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. 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 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. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. One officer can be seen holding a rifle; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags. Stop!. Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. John is not enjoying, agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. (Tribune photo by Nancy Stone). The officer then called for back-up, leading to eight officers surrounding the college student. The iconic deep dish chain is focusing on expanding its franchise restaurants. "I'm just checking to make sure that you have a right to be here, that's all. Atkinson provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof. 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. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government.. 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. Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. The officer, John Smyly, resigned with a severance package, as the City Council and community members were troubled by the incident. We looked at this through the lens of safety and exposure. (Giannis Papanikos/AP). John is not enjoying the spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to leave. Newly-released body camera video shows how it all started. 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. Embattled NC sheriff resigns again before DA details accusations against him in court. 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 said he has had trouble sleeping and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him. Patrick von Keyserling, communications director for the city, confirmed that the results of the internal investigation will not go into his file. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. New video shows moment Boulder officer pulled gun on black man picking up trash in own yard. Keyserling could not say if an officer still employed with the city would have the record included in their file. 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If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. Cubs pitcher Drew Smyly is introduced at the opening ceremony of the Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, Jan. 13, 2023, in Chicago. 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. A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. I am not normally involved in hiring decisions. Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. 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. Thats my fault, I take responsibility. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. 10-1! At one point the officer says, "you're probably going to get tased.".