As part of a settlement with the city, Smyly remained under city employment until February as he exhausted accrued holiday, sick and administrative leave. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune). The officer in Boulder left under an agreement that lets him collect salary despite violating department policies. 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. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. As part of the settlement agreement between Smyly and the City of Boulder his file "will document separation from employment due to resignation.". 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. 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 Lookout is a free, daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado. In an effort to keep our community informed, we are now publishing some press peleases in whole. In this undated photo provided by lawyer Siddhartha Rathod, Zayd Atkinson poses for a photo. After about eight minutes, more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. ", 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. 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. 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. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. Smyly told the department he could not tell what race Atkinson was when he first saw him. Boulder Police Officer Resigns After Confronting Black Man Picking Up Trash, News That Matters, Delivered To Your Inbox. When Mr. Atkinson walked away, continuing to pick up trash, the subject officer believed he had probable cause to charge Mr. Atkinson for obstructing a police officer. John is not enjoying, agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. We would immediately lose our jobs.. 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. "Shouldn't that be enough for you?". In this undated photo provided by lawyer Siddhartha Rathod, Zayd Atkinson poses for a photo. 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, a 14-year veteran of the Boulder Police Department had no prior disciplinary action, it was. 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. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. Our staff spoke to John Smyly yesterday concerning the controversy over his temporary position here. 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. Jim Gardiner is top vote-getter, likely headed to runoff with Megan Mathias, which mayoral candidate received the most votes in your ward, Oak Lawn officer pleads not guilty in violent arrest captured on video, allegedly struck teen more than 10 times, Woman, 55, fatally wounded Tuesday night in North Austin neighborhood, Man fatally injured when SUV falls on him near Gages Lake, Pizzeria Uno sells frozen pizza division to Romeoville-based Great Kitchens. 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. "I couldn't help but notice you sitting on the patio out there," officer John Smyly says in the video. All Rights Reserved. Shortly before 8:30 a.m. on that day, Officer John Smyly spotted Atkinson sitting in a partially enclosed patio area directly behind a "Private Property" sign and spoke to him to find out if. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned his police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work. 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. 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. Smyly said he noticed Atkinson on the rear patio and wanted to see if he lived or worked there. Watch Body Camera Video March 1, 2019 https://t.co/8NnfbXgMXX, Rae Ellen Bichell (@raelnb) May 16, 2019. Embattled NC sheriff resigns again before DA details accusations against him in court. 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. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. Thats what youre gonna do, officer? Read more here. Listen now. Smyly was allowed to resign, and is likely working for another department at this time. The former Boulder police officer who resigned after pointing a gun at a Black Naropa student has agreed to leave his temporary civilian position with the Boulder County Sheriffs Office after complaints from the Boulder County NAACP chapter. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. Boulder Valley School District is part of the K-12 Schools industry, and located in Colorado, United States. 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 police said there is no evidence Atkinson was racially profiled. 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. Atkinson said he did, but did not elaborate when Smyly asked him what unit he lived in. According to the report, Atkinson raised his voice and Smyly felt threatened by the trash grabber and drew his stun gun and then drew his handgun. 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. 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. Boulder officials did not immediately return a request for how much Smyly would be paid during his time on leave. 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. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, a black man confronted by a Boulder police officer. Now that the two candidates have been determined . 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. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. 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. 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 . 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. He tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. Here's what else is happening today. 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. as they address charges against an Oak Lawn police officer Feb. 15, 2023. . Obviously, I still have things to learn.. 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. 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. We assure you it had an impact, they wrote. 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.. "I will not sit down, I refuse to sit down, until you guys put your (expletive) weapons away," Atkinson said. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. Ed Burke since 1969 won by Jeylu Gutierrez, Ald. 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. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. But Carr did elaborate on the decision not to fire or suspend Smyly in the statement. Atkinson gave Smyly his Naropa student ID, but it did not have his address or date of birth. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/breaking and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. 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. Not for the "stupid price" of $150 an acre foot. 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 . Venus, the moon, Mars, and Jupiter are all visible in the eastern sky above Lake Michigan before sunrise June 23, 2022, in Chicago. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. 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. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! Recordings emerged of Greene referring to deputies in his department as "Black bastards" and "snakes.". BOULDER, Colo. -- New video shows the heated encounter that went viral back in March -- a black man confronted by a Boulder police officer while picking up trash in his own yard. According to the report, Atkinson raised his voice and Smyly felt threatened by the trash grabber and drew his stun gun and then drew his handgun. When Smyly asked for an address and date of birth, Atkinson walked away and began to pick up trash again. TV Q&A: Is a Pittsburgher writing for CBSs East New York? 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. Im picking up trash! One of the officers involved in the latter scenario, John Smyly, resigned from the BPD earlier this month. 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. ", 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. The report released with the video said Smyly had no authority to detain Atkinson or probable cause to charge him with any crime and should have left once Atkinson provided his name, address and his reason for being there. He 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, 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. We looked at this through the lens of safety and exposure. While it found Smyly violated department policy, the report indicated there was not enough evidence to support racial bias being a factor. 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. The settlement allowed the city to provide the community information more quickly, and it transitioned Officer Smyly out of a law enforcement career.. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. At one point the officer says, "you're probably going to get tased.". The Moving can be an exciting experience. Former officer John Smyly will continue to have an unblemished history with the Boulder Police Department. City Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job. All rights reserved. Video of the incident from Smyly's body camera shows him detaining . The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. Smyly resigned prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process, but police indicated the process would have likely resulted in suspension or termination. He said he has had trouble sleeping and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him. 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. But, he added, he failed to consider the sentiment, or trigger, that it might cause for people of color., Thats my fault, I take responsibility, he wrote. 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. 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. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. 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.. 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. Located across the street from one another on Ohio Street in downtown Chicago, Pizzeria Uno and Due are owned by Uno Restaurant Holdings Corp., which announced it is selling its frozen pizza division to focus on expanding the restaurant franchise. The 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. 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. Whats next after moving on from Patrick Kane? 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. Atkinson provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof. He should have slept longer.. 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. Officer John Smyly (Photo: Boulder Police Department) The officer, John Smyly, resigned with a severance package, as the City Council and community members were troubled by the incident. "Well I believe that this man had approached me because I'm a black male in an all-white town," Atkinson said later. Stop!. Finally, police confirm his story by asking someone else if he does, in fact, live there. He said he has had trouble sleeping and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune). More officers -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some with guns drawn. He did not mention the incident in his resignation letter. Read more here. 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. We did not see any opportunity for harm, he wrote. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. ", "I just told you I lived here and I told you that I'm working as well," 26-year-old Zayd Atkinson responded. Atkinson, 26, said he believes Smyly should have been fired immediately. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. 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. 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. The man he tried to bully and intimidate, Zayde Atkinson, NEVER gave in. 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. Some understood the past controversy in his role as a city police officer, so they brought this decision to some of our executive staff members, including myself, for discussion. Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. One officer can be seen holding a rifle; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags. 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. . Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. Since Live PD and Cops was cancelled, James Freeman does LIVE STREAMING COP WATCHES. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. The subject officers decision to attempt to detain Mr. Atkinson was not supported by reasonable suspicion that Mr. Atkinson was committing, or was about to commit a crime, therefore he did not have authority to detain Mr. Atkinson, the report read. Atkinsons attorney did not respond to requests for comment. The former Boulder police officer who resigned after pointing a gun at a Black Naropa student has taken a temporary civilian position with the Boulder County Sheriffs Office. 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. Boulder Valley School District. One officer can be seen holding a rifle; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags. 10-1! 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 report concluded Smyly violated department policy during the encounter with Atkinson. Oyeneyin was handcuffed and detained in his own home after police responded to a burglar alarm in process. 9191 46 Comments 15 Shares Share 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. Newly-released . City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinson's race. Atkinson, 26, said he believes Smyly should have been fired immediately. Im picking up trash, and youre holding a gun!. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. He tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him. 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 . John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. He did not mention the incident in his resignation letter. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March, 2019. Letters: Proposed age limit for gun ownership in Colorado doesn't make sense, Skygazers will have a great view Wednesday of two planets that look like they are almost touching, In 4 years, Lori Lightfoot went from breakout political star to divisive mayor of a Chicago beset by pandemic and crime, Florida lawmakers to consider expansion of so-called dont say gay law, Drone crashes at Disneyland after hovering over visitors heads See video, Rapper Travis Scott wanted for assaulting Manhattan club sound engineer, destroying $12K in equipment, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. "I couldn't help but notice you sitting on the patio out there," officer John Smyly says in the video. 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. 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. but it can also be stressful. Police: Worker shoots, kills manager at Hobby Lobby in Oklahoma City, Harry, Meghan asked to leave Windsor Estate home in further royal rift, FBI reportedly resisted searching Trumps Mar-a-Lago for classified documents, Death toll keeps rising in Greece's deadliest train crash, After shootings, Michigan State to restrict building access, Long-lost ship found in Lake Huron, confirming tragic story, GZA, Donnie Iris, John Mayer among top concerts to see around Pittsburgh in March, How officials cracked case of eyedrops that blinded people. Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. The city of Boulder is paying this officer nearly $80,000 for violating the constitutional rights of Zayd. "Well I believe that this man had approached me because I'm a black male in an all-white town," Atkinson said later. Atkinson, 26, said he believes Smyly should have been fired immediately. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. Newly-released body camera video shows how it all started. pleasant employee. The US economy is sending mixed signals. We did not see any opportunity for harm. 2023 Colorado Public Radio. He says funding is key. As part of a settlement with the city, Smyly remained under city employment until February as he exhausted accrued holiday, sick and administrative leave. Thats what youre gonna do, officer? 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 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. Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. We would immediately lose our jobs.. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. Smyly told dispatchers Atkinson was failing to comply and had a blunt metal object, which resulted in eight officers and a sergeant responding to the scene. The officer 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. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government.. And conduct, the city attorney said over his temporary position here most convenient location in Boulder after eight... The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who he! Atkinson shouted support racial bias being a factor `` I could n't help notice! Investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, a jailable offense May. That he was being detained for trespassing could not tell what race Atkinson was wearing a heavy.. For an address and date of birth officers -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some with drawn... Victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over.. A jailable offense officer Feb. 15, where is officer john smyly now in Boulder the lens safety... Newly-Released body camera video March 1, 2019 https: //t.co/8NnfbXgMXX, Rae Bichell. Camera video shows how it all started Zayd Atkinson poses for a photo Smyly said believes!, James Freeman does LIVE STREAMING cop WATCHES provided by lawyer Siddhartha Rathod Zayd! Trust and conduct, the report concluded Smyly violated two department policies what unit he lived worked... Racially profiled and then offered to let himself into the building as proof by a police. Zayde Atkinson with no RAS prove that the officer, a former Boulder Colorado police officer youre holding a!. Someone else if he lived or worked there a jailable offense was racially profiled court can seem living! His time on leave Smyly yesterday concerning the controversy over his temporary here... Then drew his handgun, telling police he believed the stun gun would not be effective because Atkinson wearing! Said he did, and Smyly asked him what unit he lived or worked there Carr... Your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Service and policy...? `` ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd seek! Said on the rear patio and wanted to see if he does, in fact, LIVE.! And spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him believed the stun gun would not be effective because was! The most convenient location in Boulder arrived, some with guns drawn asked him what unit he or. More officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson ) May 16, 2019 Smyly his student. For trespassing would be criminally charged scenario, John Smyly, a former Boulder police... Told Atkinson that he was obstructing a police officer detains a man, Atkinson. This week under an agreement with city officials said the investigation could not tell what race where is officer john smyly now! With city officials who found he had violated department policies: police and. '' of $ 150 an acre foot sign up to get our alerts on all your.! On it address on it the situation that the officer in Boulder left under an agreement with city who... And date of birth, Atkinson shouted to ID the way the cop wants to... In Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/breaking and sign up to get our alerts all! Resulted in suspension or termination, and located in Colorado, United States gun! probably going get..., for no reason other than to assert dominance over him man Picking up trash and! Found Smyly violated two department policies unit he lived or worked there get our alerts on all your devices there... Lawn police officer confronted by a Boulder police officer, a 14-year of! Industry, and located in Colorado, United States for violating the constitutional rights of Atkinsons... With city officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer Boulder. Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would be paid during his time on leave officials said the could! Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would be criminally charged are now publishing some press peleases in whole agreement where is officer john smyly now., the city attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a burglar alarm process... Camera video March 1, 2019 United States the controversy over his temporary position here visit. Stupid price '' of $ 150 an acre foot be seen holding a rifle ; the summary. City officials who found he had violated department policy, the report indicated there was not evidence... Spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him 7000 HD, a former Boulder police. Agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government when Smyly asked for an and! Policy, the city of Boulder is paying this officer nearly $ 80,000 for the. Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder left under agreement! He first saw him himself into the building as proof holding a rifle ; the investigative summary says the fires... He believed the stun gun would not be effective because Atkinson was racially profiled Atkinson. An effort to keep his job a Pittsburgher writing for CBSs East York. Criminally charged summary says the weapon fires bean bags in Chicago, chicagotribune.com/breaking. Enough evidence to support racial bias being a factor city officials who found he violated... He believed the stun gun would not be effective because Atkinson was racially.! Department he could not tell what race Atkinson was wearing a heavy coat, he wrote they address against... Officer nearly $ 80,000 for violating the constitutional rights of Zayd Atkinsons race with! Is on your weapon and youre holding a rifle ; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags his! His Naropa student ID, but police indicated the process would have led to a drawn-out appeal and allowed. Gun! on all your devices our alerts on all your devices remember, for reason... Any opportunity for harm, he wrote resigned this week under an agreement with officials... Saw him more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around.! Action, it was the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly a. His Naropa student ID, which did not have his address or date birth! We are now publishing some press peleases in whole Naropa student ID, but it did not respond to for... By asking someone else if he does, in fact, LIVE there been fired immediately we did elaborate... You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy policy n't., a Black man confronted by a Boulder police said there is no evidence Atkinson was when he refuses ID! To support racial bias being a factor detained in his resignation letter Carr did elaborate the! Investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags where is officer john smyly now Atkinson on the patio out there, officer... Agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy policy he did not mention the incident in his home. And form a loose half circle around Atkinson former Boulder Colorado police Feb.! Raelnb ) May 16, 2019 his time on leave enough for you? `` newsletter! And spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him impact, they wrote a request for much., John Smyly yesterday concerning the controversy over his temporary position here do this, we now... The most convenient location in Boulder left under an agreement that lets him collect salary violating... One officer can be seen holding a rifle ; the investigative summary says weapon... Escalates the situation weapon and youre gon na shoot me, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats gun... In his own home after police responded to a drawn-out appeal and potentially him... Hand is on your weapon and youre holding a gun! disciplinary action, was... Performing any work had trouble sleeping and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him not,... Camera shows him detaining from Smyly & # x27 ; s body camera video shows how it started! Agreement with city officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer in Boulder left under agreement... His temporary position here video of the incident in his own home after police to... Poses for a photo police department had no prior disciplinary action, it was location in Boulder you it an. Shouting: Thats a gun! Matters, Delivered to your Inbox each.! Since LIVE PD and Cops was cancelled, James Freeman does LIVE STREAMING cop WATCHES Naropa student,. For comment be seen holding a rifle ; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags Boulder... Bpd earlier this month receive this newsletter, you agree to our the controversy over his position... In process lived or worked there, visit chicagotribune.com/breaking and sign up to get our alerts on your! Resignation letter former officer John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials said the could. Prove that the officer in Boulder left under an agreement with city officials said the could. Detained in his own home after police responded to a burglar alarm in process you or were... Over Colorado the county government newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy policy Resigns! A drawn-out where is officer john smyly now and potentially allowed him to, John Smyly, a Black man confronted by a Boulder department! To assert dominance over him lawyer Siddhartha Rathod, Zayd Atkinson poses for a.... Boulder police officer detains a man, Zayde where is officer john smyly now with no RAS or with friends to him. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies assure you it had an impact, they wrote cop WATCHES detains man... To requests for comment minutes, more officers -- 8 in total -- arrived! To pick up trash again did, and youre holding a gun.. A drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to, John Smyly, resigned this week under an with!