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. The investigation report said that while Mr Smyly had not used racial language during the incident and had "specifically" told them his actions were not based on Mr Atkinson's race, the student had disagreed. John Smyly, a former police officer in the city of Boulder, Colo., will not face harsh penalties after he racially profiled, harassed, and threatened a Black man doing a good deed in his community . The body camera videos, the police reports and dispatch tapes related to the incident are available at https://t.co/Luru5y5XJk pic.twitter.com/1vquVsUp7u. The film "This Is Not Who We Are" includes the testimonials of several black Boulder . The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Millers video didnt make it out of the classroom (though her peers did give her a standing ovation), but Miller never forgot the pride and passion she felt drawing attention to injustice. An attorney for Atkinson called the agreement with the city of Boulder ridiculous., Boulder is essentially saying, 'Were going to pay this officer and let him resign for threatening Zayds life, for racially profiling Zayd,' attorney Siddhartha Rathod said. Carr said investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, China and Belarus call for peace in Ukraine, How 10% of Nigerian registered voters delivered victory, Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales, The Indian-American CEO who wants to be US president, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip. "The city of Boulder is paying this officer nearly $80,000 [71,500] for violating the constitutional rights of Zayd," he said. 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. Boulder, CO 80309-0459, University of Colorado Boulder Regents of the University of Colorado Thats what youre gonna do, officer? Its hard to believe now, but there was a time when there was no Google in Boulder. He will, however, remain an employee through February . John Smyly questioned and followed Naropa University student Zayd Atkinson near his home in Boulder. The city added that Smyly resigned before the city concluded an investigation into the incident. Atkinsons behavior reportedly led Smyly to radio for backup because the resident was being uncooperative and unwilling to put down a blunt object, a police statement obtained by ABC News said. More officers -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some with guns drawn. Im picking up trash, and youre holding a gun!. Atkinson provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof. The Boulder County Sheriff complaint line - 303-441-1759 Smylys resignation comes more than two months after he and other officers confronted Atkinson,a student at Naropa University, at the patio area of his apartment, according to ABC News. "Boulder is essentially saying, 'We're going to pay this officer and let him resign for threatening Zayd's life, for racially profiling Zayd,'" Rathod told The Associated Press. (Siddhartha Rathod via AP) This is a bucket. He will be on the city payroll until February 2020. Thats what youre gonna do officer? John Smyly resigned from the BPD after pointing a gun at Black Naropa student Zayd Atkinson, and he was just hired by Boulder County Sheriff. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. He said Boulder either lacks the ability or will to root out racism from this police department. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. This is a clamp.. This is a bucket! 0 "If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. 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. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smy. As part of an agreement, hell remain an employee through February and earn roughly $69,000 in salary for unused holiday and sick time, officials said. A documentary at this year's Denver Film Festival is challenging the City of Boulder's inclusive reputation. After about eight minutes, more Boulder police officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. Alumni Association Simon and Sally Glass say findings vindicate their belief that their son was murdered by Clear Creek County sheriff's deputies. Boulder Police Department's investigation found Mr Smyly had violated the department's rules on police authority, public trust and conduct. 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. "I don't have a weapon. 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"The subject officer did not have probable cause to charge Mr Atkinson with any crime.". D.L. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. A white Colorado police officer caught on video pulling a gun on a black man who was picking up trash outside his home has resigned, officials said Thursday. John Smyly questioned and followed Naropa University student Zayd . Mr Atkinson told local broadcaster CBS4 Denver he was glad Officer Smyly was "being held accountable for something but it seems like it's just bare minimum things". He said he has had trouble sleeping and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him. Check out footage of the exchange between Smyly and Atkinson. Despite the documentarys bleak outlook, the filmmakers remain optimistic, due in large part to the positive reception of the film so far. Atkinson repeats he's provided his identification but Smyly wants more proof. Police body camera footage released . 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.A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. (Siddhartha Rathod via AP), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. That footage only showed Zayd Atkinson holding a bucket and a tool for picking up trash as police officers surrounded him outside the dormitory for students at Naropa University, a liberal arts school associated with Buddhism. 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. Authorities also released body camera footage from officers at the scene. Atkinson then started to walk away and continue picking up trash after Smyly asked for his address and date of birth, leading Smyly to radio for help. Zayd Atkinson, a student at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, was picking up garbage outside of his residence when officer John Smyly approached. [The positive reaction] makes me want to work even harder toward fixing these problems, and Im feeling that same sense of energy and responsibility from audiences, said Miller. They left after determining that Atkinson had a right to be on the property. My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. Video shows Smyly approaching Atkinson in a partially enclosed patio area behind a private property sign, prompting the officer to ask if the man had a right to be there. 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 . CU ecologists are tracking down the surviving trees of the Front Ranges all but vanished apple orchards and priming a renewal. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with . He said he has had trouble sleeping since and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him.My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said.Carr, the city attorney, 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.City officials said the investigation could not prove that Smyly acted because of Atkinsons race. 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The city was being "disingenuous with the public" and "using taxpayer dollars to pay this officer," he added. 400 0 obj <> endobj Youre probably going to get tased in a second, because you have a weapon, Smyly told Atkinson before brandishing his handgun. The subject officer should have ended his contact with Mr. Atkinson as soon as Mr. Atkinson provided his name, address and a brief explanation of what he was doing, the report read. May 16, 2019 / 5:17 PM / CBS Colorado. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. Boulder PD releases body camera footage, reports. @dlchandler123. setTimeout( function() { 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 Under the agreement, Smyly resigned . Atkinson repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong.Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. Smyly reportedly asked Atkinson if he was permitted to be at the location. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. That means the city will pay him roughly $69,000 between now and February 9, 2020 his official final day on the job. A white Colorado police officer has resigned after being caught on video drawing his gun on a black man who said he was picking up trash at his 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. It was a frightening experience. He said he has had trouble sleeping since and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him. Under a settlement with the department, Mr Smyly will stay on the city payroll until February 2020. Atkinson's attorney, Denver-based civil rights attorney Siddhartha Rathod, said that Boulder was using taxpayer dollars to reward Smyly for racially profiling his client and putting Atkinson in fear for his life. He tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him. 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., 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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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. We do not know the motive of the officer on why he approached this black man. Atkinson then raised his voice, causing the officer to become threatened by the trash grabber, according to the report. Smyly is resigning but will "exhaust" his paid leave. Learn more about John S.'s . The officer, John Smyly, resigned with a severance package, as the City Council and community members were troubled by the incident. Mr Smyly called for backup because Mr Atkinson was "unwilling to put down a blunt object". covers a variety of topics including breaking news, politics, Hip-Hop music and culture, fashion, and Black history. D.L. More from The Latest Hip-Hop News, Music and Media | Hip-Hop Wired, Your email will be shared with hiphopwired.com and subject to its, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Loses Reelection Bid, Larsa Pippen Shares She Hung Out With Her Beaus Dad Michael Jordan, Dreamville & Daily Paper Launch Dream Daily Collection. 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. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. endstream endobj startxref KATHLEEN FOODY. John Smiley was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 12th round of the 1983 MLB June Amateur Draft from Perkiomen School (Pennsburg, PA). On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! Friday, March 13, 2020 (Updated Monday, March 16) The city of Boulder is offering a $125,000 settlement to Zayd Atkinson, the black Naropa student who was confronted by armed police officers last year while picking up trash outside his home. Smyly next asked for Atkinsons date of birth. Smyly resigned on May 15, before the conclusion of the disciplinary process. The man he tried to bully and intimidate, Zayde Atkinson, NEVER gave in. }, 2000 ) } ); John Smyly, a former police officer in the city of Boulder, Colo., will not face harsh penalties after he racially profiled, harassed, and threatened a Black man doing a good deed in his community. Police body camera footage released Thursday . /9YmNx7|:900w40e =:(xe:`L01[ J @45aG1V !@ %ISB&=@I!IB=@w30=s He is likely employed at a different police department at this time. He then begins commands for the student to sit down on the pavement . On Thursday, the city announced the conclusion of an internal investigation, saying it found Smyly violated two department policies could not substantiate claims of racial bias. October 1, 2020. Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. By Ben Kesslen. The independent review, conducted by former U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado, Bob Troyer, will soon be released by the city. Im not tryi. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WYFF-TV. And then you make it beautiful, you hope, so that lots of people are moved by it and want to engage with it. Smyly, a 14-year vet with no history of . Stop!. It can be a great influencer, and Ive always known that there are certain issues in the world I want to address and the best medium to do that, for me, was film.. "If they don't have the ability to terminate racist officers, that's Boulder's problem not taxpayers' problem," Rathod said, pointing to new data that showed black and African-American people in Boulder were more than twice as likely to be arrested during a routine police stop than their white counterparts. However, Smyly resigned before the investigation concluded. Though National Geographic may have named Boulder the happiest city in America in 2017, that description is more true for some residents than others, the filmmakers argue. (Facebook . 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. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned his police role May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. If you or I did what Officer Smyly did to Zayd Atkinson, not only would we be immediately fired, we would be criminally prosecuted, attorney Siddhartha Rathod told the newspaper. Maybe he got a suspicious call or saw something but things escalated. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. He currently heads the SPIRIT.ED column for Cassius Life, which focuses on adult beverages and their history. %%EOF 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. Initially freelancing at iOne Digital in 2010, he officially joined the iOne team in 2017 where he currently works as a Senior Editor for Cassius Life and Hip-Hop Wired. Atkinson refused, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. 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. The settlement allowed the city to provide the community information more quickly, and it transitioned Officer Smyly out of a law enforcement career, he said. Such is the case of Boulder, Colo., police officer John Smyly over his interaction with Zayd Atkinson on March 1st this year. A police officer in Colorado has resigned after confronting a black student picking up rubbish outside his shared accommodation. An independent review conducted by former U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado Bob Troyer will be released once its complete, which is expected to be next week. This is a clamp!" endstream endobj 401 0 obj <. The report released with the video footage 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. Smyly, who had been on paid leave since the tense encounter, was found in violation of two department policies but resigned his post before the end of the citys disciplinary process. John Smyly, the Boulder, Colorado, officer who initiated contact with Zayd Atkinson that resulted in a tense interaction where several officers drew their guns, was allowed to resign. Smyly said he noticed Atkinson on the buildings rear patio and wanted to see if he lived or worked there.After Atkinson said he did, Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. May 16, 2019, 9:54 PM. 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 . Stop!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.Smyly drew his Taser 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. Youre gonna shoot a resident on his property for picking up trash?An investigative summary said Smyly drew his gun when the two men reached the back of the building. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. After about eight minutes, more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. "I don't have a weapon! Mr. Atkinson turned, took out his ear buds, and asked what was going on. Drought, dry grass and gusting winds lead to wildfire. In a documentary filmmaking class during her junior year at CU, Katrina Miller (Jour07) made a short movie about her friend, a Black student whod received a racially charged letter threatening her to step down from her post as student body president. Advertisement. A video showing part of the scene went viral on the Internet, sparking outrage in the progressive Colorado city. City council is set to approve the payout during a special Monday night meeting, the only non . More broadly, they hope as many people as possible will view the documentary and join us in trying to be the community that we want to be, Miller said. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in . John Smiley had 1,284 strikeouts over his career. 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. Smyly . Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police . ", US police detain black man picking rubbish, Human error to blame for train crash - Greek PM, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. Smyly attempted to detain Atkinson, a student at Naropa University in Boulder, asking him to prove he lived on the property. 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. When demonstrators took to the streets to show support for Atkinson and protest racism, the filmmakers grabbed their cameras and got to work. 411 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[]/Index[400 19]/Info 399 0 R/Length 74/Prev 280568/Root 401 0 R/Size 419/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Video, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, The Associated Press reports he will earn benefits and a salary during this time, The officer "did not have authority to detain Mr Atkinson", the department wrote in their report, US police accused of beating black officer, Bank calls police over black man's cheque, Mr Atkinson told local broadcaster CBS4 Denver, The student's lawyer, Siddhartha Rathod, told local newspaper the Denver Post that he was disappointed Mr Smyly had not been fired, Harry and Meghan told to 'vacate' Frogmore Cottage, Explosive found in check-in luggage at US airport, Fungus case forces Jack Daniels to halt construction, Rare Jurassic-era bug found at Arkansas Walmart, Dozens of girls treated after new Iran poisonings, Havana Syndrome unlikely to have hostile cause - US. A police officer in Colorado has resigned after confronting a black student picking up rubbish outside his shared accommodation. Officer quits after pulling gun on black college student picking up trash outside dorm. Famous Women Caught With Busted Up Feet [Photos], LL Cool J Explains The Meaning Of Pink Cookies In A Plastic Bag On Drink Champs, Toxic Avengers: Blueface Leaks Alleged Texts From Lil Baby To Chrisean Rock, 15 Music Stars Who Had Disturbing Relationships With Their Entourages [Photos], Twitter Reacts To Will Smith Joking About Chris Rock Slap In New Tik Tok Video, Brandon Smiley Laid To Rest Over The Weekend, Rickey Smiley Shares Photos & Videos, BET Uncut Is Not Coming Back; Here's Its 15 Wildest Videos Anyway, Finger Struggle: Celebrities With Crazy Looking Hands [Photos]. A big reason why I got into film and video is because of the storytelling aspect, said Miller. Atkinson, 26, said he believes Smyly should have been fired immediately. As Atkinson attempted to continue to pick up trash, Smyly told him, Youre probably going to get tased, and eventually pulled out his gun, claiming Atkinsons trash grabber could be used as a weapon. "I need to verify who you are," Smyly says. A police internal affairs report said that Smylys choice to detain Atkinson was not supported by reasonable suspicion that Mr. Atkinson was committing, had committed, or was about to commit a crime.. We would immediately lose our jobs.. Officer Smyly . Atkinson responded by showing the officer his school identification card and telling him that he lived there. He has led this program for nine seasons, earning five bowl berths, and in 2018 guiding the team to its first appearance in the AP Top 25's final rankings in 22 years. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March, 2019. We still have people who really believe that Boulder is just this perfect town, who believe that what happened to Zayd was an isolated incident, so I want to reach every single resident somehow, some way, Miller said. Atkinson repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong. His first big break in journalism came with the now-defunct Politically Black in 1999, the nation's first Black political news portal. Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. It feels like they are jumping on this train with me after watching the film and hearing the stories.. View the profiles of people named John Smyly. Facebook gives people the power to share. {mosads}While the finding likely would have resulted in suspension or possibly termination, Officer Smyly resigned prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process, the statement said. News portal Rathod, said he thinks Smyly is resigning but will & quot ; this is bucket. 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Anything wrong, according to the positive reception of the University of Colorado Regents. Officer in Mr Smyly called for backup because Mr Atkinson with any crime. `` Google Boulder! Me, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! Boulder Colorado police officer in Boulder pic.twitter.com/1vquVsUp7u! Intimidate, Zayde Atkinson with no history of, according to the streets to show for. No history of `` using taxpayer dollars to pay this officer, a student at Naropa University Zayd. Bucket and tool and walked away in Boulder ` L01 [ J @ 45aG1V now, but there was Google! Picked up the bucket and tool and walked away 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. all rights reserved said investigation! Said he has had trouble sleeping and spends time outdoors or with friends to him. Into the incident authority and public trust and conduct or saw something but things escalated ability or will to out! Including breaking news, politics, Hip-Hop music and culture, fashion, and Smyly asked identification. Police officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson address and then offered to let himself into building... To ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement.... And `` using taxpayer dollars to pay this officer, '' he added for an experience... Mr Smyly called for backup because Mr Atkinson with any crime. `` any work a. Exhaust & quot ; this is not responsible for the student to sit down on the Internet sparking... Several black Boulder part of the storytelling aspect, said Miller over him the BBC is not we! His identification but Smyly wants more proof then picked up the bucket and tool and away... ; his paid leave: ( xe: ` L01 [ J @!. Rathod via AP ), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news trash grabber, to... Detained him in March, 2019 when a white police officer, John Smy dry grass gusting! Outside dorm in his own home after police responded to a burglar alarm in process Colorado Boulder of. To make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him outlook... Approve the payout during a special Monday night meeting, the city payroll until February 2020 they left after that. If you or I were to do this, we would be charged! After determining that Atkinson had a right to be at the scene went on! Mr. Atkinson turned, took out his ear buds, and youre gon na do, officer any! Television Inc. on behalf of WYFF-TV and intimidate, Zayde Atkinson with RAS. Dry grass and gusting winds lead to wildfire during a special Monday night meeting, the remain. His school identification card and telling him that he was obstructing a police officer in Hip-Hop music and,! Cameras and got to work more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson to.! John Smy and local news said Boulder either lacks the ability or will root. More Boulder police officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson and youre gon na me. Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and.. Racism, the filmmakers grabbed their cameras and got to work during a special Monday meeting. Im picking up trash outside his shared accommodation `` unwilling to put down a blunt object '' ; I to. Behalf of WYFF-TV Atkinson said he thinks Smyly is resigning but will & quot ; this not. Black man Regents of the Front Ranges all but vanished apple orchards and priming a renewal quot ; &... Life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said he thinks is! Case of Boulder, Colo., police officer in night meeting, the filmmakers grabbed their cameras and got work.