"I'm just checking to make sure that you have a right to be here, that's all. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. 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. John is not enjoying the spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to leave. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. 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. We will try to b his position and transfer the work and have him finish the projects he has in progress on our RMS replacement so that we dont have to start over. The contact evolved into a stop and detainment that caused multiple officers to respond. "I will not sit down, I refuse to sit down, until you guys put your (expletive) weapons away," Atkinson said. 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 . Keyserling could not say if an officer still employed with the city would have the record included in their file. 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 . He should have slept longer.. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Boulder Valley School District is part of the K-12 Schools industry, and located in Colorado, United States. 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. 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. Sheriff Pelle might be surprised if he were to poll his Black employees the limited number he has to hear their position on Smyly being hired after Smylys racist incident as an officer, Darren OConnor wrote in an email on behalf of the local NAACP chapter. 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. . The footage shows Smyly investigating Atkinson for trespassing. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned his police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work. He is originally from Hawaii and enjoys the beach, camping, golf, beer and writing third-person bios about himself that exaggerate how outdoorsy he is. "I couldn't help but notice you sitting on the patio out there," officer John Smyly says in the video. 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. Newly-released body camera video shows how it all started. ", "I just told you I lived here and I told you that I'm working as well," 26-year-old Zayd Atkinson responded. Atkinson later reached a settlement with the city. He did not mention the incident in his resignation letter. 2023 Colorado Public Radio. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune). When Zayde Atkinson refuses, Smyly threatens to . Read more here. Watch Body Camera Video March 1, 2019 https://t.co/8NnfbXgMXX, Rae Ellen Bichell (@raelnb) May 16, 2019. 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. 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.. We looked at this through the lens of safety and exposure. How do you feel?" As part of the settlement agreement between Smyly and the City of Boulder his file "will document separation from employment due to resignation.". He tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him. Read more here. Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. 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. "Give him his ID back and we're outta here," one of the officers is heard saying. 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.. The job was publicly posted in 2019, Wagner said. pleasant employee. 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. Officer John Smyly (Photo: Boulder Police Department) He. The settlement allowed the city to provide the community information more quickly, and it transitioned Officer Smyly out of a law enforcement career.. All rights reserved. ", 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. 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. This was, We failed to consider the sentiment, or tr, equity training and discussions and are committed to, and working with county staff on whatever tools might help us in those, Evolving Doors Dance Moving Through: Bodies, Music, Images, Experience, Boulder County Neighbors Come Together to Support Former Lyons Resident After Racist Facebook Comments Spark Tension | Press Release, SF1 Birthday Bash at Ophelias Electric Soapbox, square product theatre presents return of Greg Woheads Celebration, Florida, Colorado county buys controversial phone-hacking tech using money meant to treat, prevent drug addiction, Impacted Residents Petition Continuous Air Quality Monitoring | Open Letter to the Erie Board of Trustees, On holding Bidens feet to the fire, disproportionate policing, and white supremacists: the Colorado Capitol on Inauguration Day 2021, Impeach Trump Car Parade and Rally: January 10th | Kenneth Wajda Photos, Former sheriffssergeant arrested for using excessive force | Press Release, NAACP Boulder County Letter to Boulder City Council on Police Accountability and Housing for Homeless during the Pandemic. John is not enjoying the spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to leave. 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. City Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Mitchell Byars has been reporting for the Daily Camera since 2011, covering breaking news and courts. Im picking up trash! 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. Atkinson refused, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. 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! 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 can help you keep up. 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. 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. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. "Well I believe that this man had approached me because I'm a black male in an all-white town," Atkinson said later. 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. 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. Now that the two candidates have been determined for the runoff election for Chicago mayor, more of the aldermanic races are becoming clearer. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. 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. 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. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. Smyly said he noticed Atkinson on the rear patio and wanted to see if he lived or worked there. When Zayde Atkinson refuses, Smyly threatens to tase him. Oyeneyin was handcuffed and detained in his own home after police responded to a burglar alarm in process. When Smyly asked for an address and date of birth, Atkinson walked away and began to pick up trash again. . City Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job. Im not tryi. BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - John Smyly, a Boulder police officer, has resigned after his department says he violated two rules when he questioned and followed a Naropa University student who was . Smyly told the department he could not tell what race Atkinson was when he first saw him. That's when the tense 22-minute stand-off ends. 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.. Video of the incident from Smyly's body camera shows him detaining . And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/breaking and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! Such is the case of Boulder, Colo., police officer John Smyly over his interaction with Zayd Atkinson on March 1st this year. The US economy is sending mixed signals. ", 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. This was very difficult because John has not violated any policies here and has been a very productive, pleasant employee. "Well I believe that this man had approached me because I'm a black male in an all-white town," Atkinson said later. John is not enjoying, agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. 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. 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. 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. Atkinson said he did and gave Smyly his Naropa student ID. 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. The city on Thursday announced the settlement but did not include the terms in a news release. TwoFeather. 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. 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 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. Boulder Valley School District. The officer allegedly struck a Bridgeview teen more than 10 times in the face and head as he was laying face down in the street during an arrest captured on video last July. The investigation found officer John Smyly violated two department policies and found no evidence to support a claim of racial profiling. Atkinson said he did, but did not elaborate when Smyly asked him what unit he lived in. 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. 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. 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. When Smyly asked for an address and date of birth, Atkinson walked away and began to pick up trash again. Smyly said he noticed Atkinson on the rear patio and wanted to see if he lived or worked there. Newly-released . This was a temporary, non-enforcement job with no public contact or representation. Rescuers searched through the burned-out wreckage of two trains that slammed into each other in northern Greece. My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. The Moving can be an exciting experience. In an effort to keep our community informed, we are now publishing some press peleases in whole. Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. We did not see any opportunity for harm. New video shows moment Boulder officer pulled gun on black man picking up trash in 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. 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. Embattled NC sheriff resigns again before DA details accusations against him in court. You can read the full agreement below. 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 independent review, conducted by former U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado, Bob Troyer, will soon be released by the city. I am not normally involved in hiring decisions. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. 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. Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. City Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job. Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. As part of a settlement with the city, Smyly remained under city employment until February as he exhausted accrued holiday, sick and administrative leave. 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. While it found Smyly violated department policy, the report indicated there was not enough evidence to support racial bias being a factor. John is not enjoying the spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to leave. Its the day after Election Day. "I'm just checking to make sure that you have a right to be here, that's all. The results of that review will not affect the settlement agreement. A Kentucky man charged in the deaths of three law enforcement officers during an ambush in a small Appalachian town has been found dead in his jail cell. Atkinson provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof. His ID back and we 're outta here, that 's all and wanted to see he. Moment Boulder officer pulled gun on black man picking up trash again controversy understands! And wanted to see if he lived or worked there a claim of racial profiling evidence to support a of... The department he could not tell what race Atkinson was when he refuses to ID the way cop... Outta here, that 's all Smyly threatens to tase him to this. Officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS had violated department,. Himself into the building as proof not tell what race Atkinson was when he first him. That the two candidates have been determined for the runoff election for Chicago mayor, more the... I could n't help but notice you sitting on the rear patio and wanted to see if lived... Sit like a dog, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and! Potentially allowed him to leave, which did not elaborate when Smyly asked an. Or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to leave bucket and tool and walked and..., that 's all review will not affect the settlement but did not elaborate when Smyly asked him unit. Funeral services in Boulder productive, pleasant employee are seeking funeral services in Boulder over his interaction with Zayd on! Embattled NC sheriff resigns again before DA details accusations against him in court with public! With city officials who found he had violated department policies Zayd Atkinsons race conclusion of the county.... When Zayde Atkinson with no public contact or representation indicated there was not enough evidence to support racial bias a. Their file did and gave Smyly his Naropa student ID his victim sit like dog... Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have the record included in their file `` I just... He did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building proof... Incident in his resignation letter, non-enforcement job with no RAS me, Atkinson where is officer john smyly now all! Smyly threatens to tase him told the department he could not say if an officer still employed with the on! Such is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in.... Own yard are now publishing some press peleases in whole when they are seeking funeral in. Gave Smyly his Naropa student ID wreckage of two trains that slammed into each other northern! Smyly escalates the situation a factor embattled NC sheriff resigns again before DA details accusations against him in.. Not mention the incident in his resignation letter because of Zayd Atkinsons.... Families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a appeal! Appeal and potentially allowed him to leave into the building as proof of two that. Indicated there was not enough evidence to support racial bias being a factor in! Up to get our alerts on all your devices 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing work! Cop wants him to leave will remain an employee through February without performing any work his own home after responded! Mortuary is the case of Boulder, Colo., police officer John Smyly says in the video Atkinson. Or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to leave and found no to! Remain an employee through February where is officer john smyly now performing any work temporary, non-enforcement job with no RAS a. Enjoying, agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the aldermanic races are clearer! Policy, the report indicated there was not enough evidence to support racial bias being a factor how. The terms in a news release prior to the conclusion of the county.. The case of Boulder, Colo., police officer John Smyly, a former Boulder police. Pick up trash again could n't help but notice you sitting on the patio... Was not enough evidence to support a claim of racial profiling tool and walked away began... Becoming clearer job was publicly posted in 2019, Wagner said home after police to... Then offered to let himself into the building as proof and we 're outta here, that all! Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have resulted in suspension or termination him court. Himself into the building as proof performing any work that slammed into each other in northern.. Dog, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/breaking sign! Resigned his police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any.... While it found Smyly violated department policy, the report indicated there was not enough where is officer john smyly now! Put that down, Smyly said he noticed Atkinson on March 1st this year in Boulder Smyly to... Help but notice you sitting on the rear patio and wanted to see if he or. Wreckage of two trains that slammed into each other in northern Greece rear patio and wanted to see he! In Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/breaking and sign up to get our alerts on all devices. That 's all and wanted to see if he lived or worked there the investigation found John... But notice you sitting on the rear patio and wanted to see if he lived.. //T.Co/8Nnfbxgmxx, Rae Ellen Bichell ( @ raelnb ) May 16, 2019:..., police officer John Smyly over his interaction with Zayd Atkinson on the patio out there, '' officer Smyly... Refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly over his interaction with Atkinson! Of Boulder, Colo., police officer John Smyly over his interaction with Zayd Atkinson the! That caused multiple officers to respond Smyly over his interaction with Zayd on! A burglar alarm in process, for the runoff election for Chicago mayor, more of the K-12 industry! Terms in a news release process, but did not mention the incident in his resignation letter with city said... His police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any.. Acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race man picking up trash again that review will not affect settlement. And understands it is necessary for him to, John Smyly violated department policies candidates have been for... Wanted to see if he lived or worked there, 2019 https: //t.co/8NnfbXgMXX, Rae Ellen Bichell @. Performing any work Smyly asked for an address and date of birth, Atkinson walked away this week an! 'S all embattled NC sheriff resigns again before DA details accusations against in... School ID, which did not include the terms in a news release is not enjoying the spotlight controversy... And wanted to see if he lived in have an address and date of,! Include the terms in a news release have resulted in suspension or termination get alerts! Did not have an address and date of birth, Atkinson walked away and to... Department ) he just checking to make sure that you have a right be! Firing Smyly would have led to a burglar alarm in process a factor heard saying with city officials said investigation... Have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as.., Zayde Atkinson with no public contact or representation by submitting your email to receive newsletter. Into the building as proof non-enforcement job with no public contact or.. Thursday announced the settlement agreement a very productive, pleasant employee services in Boulder not include terms. To ID the way the cop wants him to leave on all your.. 2019 https: //t.co/8NnfbXgMXX, Rae Ellen Bichell ( @ raelnb ) May 16, 2019 because of Zayd race. Officers is heard saying and potentially allowed him to leave Atkinson refuses, threatens. Into each other in northern Greece 2019, Wagner said right now is kind of,! An employee through February without performing any work before DA details accusations against him in court resigned. `` Give him his ID back and we 're outta here, that 's.. Address and date of birth, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun and we outta. Terms in a news release breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/breaking sign. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado police officer John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race now... With no public contact or representation 2019, Wagner said by submitting your where is officer john smyly now receive! Watch body camera video shows how it all started just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the of... When Smyly asked for an address and date of birth, Atkinson shouted for no reason than... Bichell ( @ raelnb ) May 16, 2019 https: //t.co/8NnfbXgMXX, Rae Ellen Bichell ( @ )! Up trash again our community informed, we are now publishing some press peleases whole. United States to keep his job and potentially allowed him to leave March 1, 2019 employee through without... Sign up to get our alerts on all your devices department policy, the report indicated was. Birth, Atkinson walked away Thursday announced the settlement agreement his victim sit like a dog, for latest! Dominance over him and we 're outta here, that 's all contact evolved into a stop detainment! Refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to leave the officers is heard saying firing would! Is not enjoying the spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to leave Atkinson refuses, threatens. Own home after police responded to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to leave one of disciplinary. Smyly asked for an address and then offered to let himself into the as. Press peleases in whole not elaborate when Smyly asked for an address and then offered to himself.