During the incident the man gave officers his university ID and said repeatedly that he lived and worked at the shared occupancy building. Click here to sign up for a weekly newsletter from Boulder Beat. As part of his cushy deal he will be paid for accrued floating holiday leave, sick leave, and be permitted administrative leave until Feb. 9. !https://t.co/zIdfvzIr6v, Karen Hunter (@karenhunter) May 24, 2019, Apparently it is NOT police policy to harass people picking up trash in their apt. Would love your thoughts, please comment. The police officer who pulled a gun on a man picking up trash outside his own home in Boulder, Colorado, has resigned, city officials said Thursday. Given the projected costs of litigation, the city attorney believes that it is unlikely that the city will be in a significantly better economic position by litigating the case as compared to accepting the settlement offer. I am the white man here. Sign Up. Sit down boy. We would immediately lose our jobs., Zayd Atkinson & John Smyly: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Smyly accused Atkinson of obstructing an officer, a jailable offense. Later on Smyly told Atkinson that he was being apprehended for trespassing. Smyly, a 14-year veteran of the Boulder Police Department had no prior disciplinary action, it was reported. We would immediately lose our jobs.. You have a dangerous object in your hand, Stunned Atkinson says, I dont have a weapon! Atkinson has shown his Narapo University identification card. If you do great and Ill be on my way. He's a damn racist pigs ass, that's what he really is, and they wonder where they get that name, ,,,,here's why good cops are getting killed every day, you're looking at that reason ! Comply with commands for the sake of commands. That means the city will pay him roughly $69,000 between now and February 9, 2020 his official final day on the job. We need MORE CONSEQUENCES!! It doesn't really matter because it,s normalized now, i guess this way they get to SLAM knees into your back and kidneys! " When Smyly asked for an address and date of birth, Atkinson walked away and began to pick up trash again. The student tried to pick up his equipment and leave when Smyly stopped him. This is a clamp!" 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". 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. At this point, Smyly called in for a cover car and told Atkinson he was obstructing a police officer and was he detaining him and investigating him for trespass. Officer John Smyly (Photo: Boulder Police Department) Join the Westword community and help support OfficerSmyly,evenafterseeingmyvalidschoolID,assertedthathewasdetainingmeanddrew,atvaryingtimes,hisTaserandhisgun. When the citizens get tired, these sheriffs and police chiefs won't get hired. 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. Im telling you Im threatened by it., Atkinson says, You have a gun that kills people!. Thats a gun! Im picking up trash, and youre holding a gun! Atkinson can be heard protesting. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Celebrate the 303: From Crocs to Cannabis, Colorado Has Your Number, Have Thoughts About the Denver Moves Everyone Plan? Despite His Resignation of Mid-May, Smyly Gets Paid Through 2020 Totaling Nearly $70,000 Smyly, a 14-year veteran of the department, resigned from active duty on May 16. If the appeals process took time, so be it. complexesBUT what if had killed that young man? Put it down! It is not possible to predict the outcome of a trial, the notes read, a standard caution that accompanies every large settlement that comes before council. On March 1, 2019, Atkinson, a student at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, was outside his dormitory picking up trash using a bucket and the device most commonly used to pick up trash found outdoors, known as a reacher grabber, a roughly 32-inch-long lightweight handled-pole with a claw at the bottom to retrieve debris. Smyly tells him, Sit down or youre going to get tased in a second because you have a weapon. Or mail cash/check/precious gemstones toP.O. local news and culture. This absurdity of this needless threat led both men to become more agitated. When Smyly asked for an address and date of birth, Atkinson walked away and began to pick up trash again. 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. 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. Im just doing my job just making sure you belong here. Student Zyad Atkinson and now-former Boulder police John Smyly. However, 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. This is really disturbing that Boulder County Sheriffs office would hire someone like this. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. Atkinson and the city are settling any potential claims arising from this interaction so that the parties may focus on the continued healing of both the community and Mr. Atkinson, the statement read. Atkinson continues to say hes astonished by the officers actions. Smyly kept his weapon out until Atkinson put down the clamp. October 6, 2020 Should of been given the Boot and jailed. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinson's race. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, 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, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Im a citizen of this country!. ID Refusal by Boulder Colorado man, Zayde Atkinson results in threats and officer John Smyly brandishing a fire arm. The confrontation violated police procedure, an internal investigation found, and the responding offer resigned. 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. Then watch their tyrant attitudes disappear when their psychotic episodes start coming out of their own pockets. Why would you want someone like that on their team? Atkinson is becoming upset by the officers relentlessness interrogation. independent local journalism in Denver. A police officer who was criticised after pulling a gun on a college student picking up rubbish outside his home in March has resigned after being investigated for the incident. https://t.co/4hLHEf3cfH, Quentin Young (@qpyoungnews) May 23, 2019. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. The term position John fills is in an unsworn, civilian position, and is not in a public-facing role, Wagner wrote in an email to the Camera. Boulder has agreed to pay $95,000 to Sammie Lawrence, a Black man arrested in 2019 while filming a police interaction with unhoused individuals. However, they are crucial to any rooms look and feel. 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Atkinson said he did and gave Smyly his Naropa student ID. The officer, John Smyly, was identified Thursday as the 14-year department veteran seen in a 16-minute video posted to YouTube after confronting Zayd Atkinson outside a Naropa University dorm. Atkinson then walked away from the officer, who had no right to detain him based on the evidence he had gained at that point. Atkinson threatened to sue the city after several officers surrounded him on March 1, 2019, demanding that he put down the bucket and tool he was using to collect litter. Atkinson is by now very upset. Smyly resigned prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process, but police indicated the process would have likely resulted in suspension or termination. Shay Castle, boulderbeatnews@gmail.com, @shayshinecastle. A sub for the Front Range community, along the US Rockies, from Wyoming through Colorado, to the border with New Mexico. Im picking up trash on my property. Zayd Atkinson could have lost his life. Their history is that they have no morals and are racist! Mr. 2023 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u78BBpHcz44, Wasted Education Blue Topaz James Freeman, If you were to somehow find out where John Smyly is living, then interrogate him in a stupid way like he did to this poor man, I would love to see that and consider it your best video. Subject Officer Body Camera Video March 1, 2019 from City of Boulder on Vimeo. Why would you think that you can tase me? Youre going to shoot me?, The cop says to Atkinson, referring to the litter tool, your hand is on your weapon are you going to shoot me a push gonna do if you use that weapon against me then yes that is a consideration. He says he wants to figure this out with Atkinson. The. this student is a hero. If these cocksuckers want to defend this type of behavior, they don't get to complain when they get a taste of it. Denver's independent source of Prolonged litigation will adversely impact those efforts. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Officer resigns but will get $69,000 The investigation, released on Thursday and available here, found no evidence of racial profiling but did say Smyly flouted two police department policies:. This is called high af on egoine a much stronger drug than heroine causes the servant to believe the masters of the house is his bitch. 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. Shortly, a white middle-aged male university employee arrives and says Atkinson is a student who is doing a work-study job. More tax payers money going out the window . Smyly has been with the department for over 14 years, and reportedly had no previous history of disciplinary action. Boulder Beat. Bill Smyly in March 2016. We know you don't bring a trash grabber to a gun fight; and we know John would be more than happy to use his firearm to defend himself from the deadly implement. Cops don't know shit. Article content. What occurred over the next several minutes ultimately led to Smylys resignation after an internal police investigation found he violated two department rules on conduct and public trust, but a newly released state investigation report found Smyly did not racially profile Atkinson. He has in the past been critical of the police investigation and citys efforts to strengthen community oversight of the department. He is not the old time semi-literate southern brute. Atkinson was maintaining the property outside the dorm as part of his work-study job. Body cam footage shows Sammie Lawrence, standing, filming a police encounter. See Photos. Police say Smyly was wrong, but didn't racially profile Atkinson. "Put that down," Smyly said on the tape. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Throw me some cash if you've got it so I can keep you informed. We need MORE CONSEQUENCES!! We cant normalize this! Ive seen this .. blatent harassment . John Smyly. Youre going to tase me outside of my residence?, Smyly tells Atknson to drop it! The incident occurred on March 1, 2019. Tuck tail and go back to work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u78BBpHcz44, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqmKzeeDj54, asking cops the same questions they ask us, Angela Lansdale a.k.a. On March 1, 2019, back when few mainstream politicians used the term "systemic racism" while discussing law enforcement aimed at people of color, Boulder Police officer John Smyly starred in a viral video that captured his over-the-top harassment of Zayd Atkinson, a, Become a member to support the independent voice of Denver Btw, the kid picking up the garbage missed a great big blue piece ! Log In. Such is the case of Boulder, Colo., police officer John Smyly over his interaction with Zayd Atkinson on March 1st this year. 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. Find your friends on Facebook. The police internal investigation concluded Smyly violated department policy during the encounter with Atkinson, and the independent report backed those conclusions, saying Smyly made some pivotal mistakes including asking for Atkinsons date of birth when he was not entitled to that information and mistakenly believing he had reasonable suspicion that a crime was occurring. "The city of Boulder is paying this officer nearly $80,000 [71,500] for violating the constitutional rights of Zayd," he said. and help keep the future of Westword, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. We did not see any opportunity for harm, he wrote. Under a settlement with the department, Mr Smyly will stay on the city payroll until February 2020. I didnt do anything wrong. but it can also be stressful. According to a summary of the investigation released by Boulder police, Officer John Smyly was conducting extra patrols on March 1, 2019, in the area of Folsom Street and Arapahoe Avenue when he saw Atkinson seated on a bench in a patio area that had a sign that said private property.. Atkinson says, Yes, I live here. independent local journalism in Denver. Atkinson said he did and gave Smyly his Naropa student ID. 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.. Colorado police officer John Smyly who pulled his gun on Zayd Atkinson, a student at Naropa University picking up trash in front of his apartment building, has resigned. How do you feel about that, sir? 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. 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. Video of the incident from Smyly's body camera shows him detaining Atkinson without reasonable suspicion and then harassing the man. Officer Smyly drew his gun and called in backup during the confrontation in March. Where is he taking ME?!? Colorado: Kelly Clark, 41, has filed an excessive force lawsuit against Waylon Lolotai, . Learn more about: Cookie Policy, 2022 ExerciseOurFreedom.com . 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. I hope these officers hear his voice on repeat every time they fuck up. You missed a comment about the piece of sh*t who went and grabbed the can and picker, acting as if his weak ass is really afraid of the picker. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government.. Officer Smyly drew his gun and called in backup during the confrontation in March. A settlement was reached, but the exact agreement is unknown. Since Live PD and Cops was cancelled, James Freeman does LIVE STREAMING COP WATCHES. Black student at Naropa University whom he rousted for picking up trash on his own property, Brady letters, which single out problematic cops, 365 former cops banned from police employment in Colorado. Smyly says hes investigating a trespass. See Photos. Boulder Police Officer Resigns After Encounter With Black Student 153,975 views May 16, 2019 1.9K Dislike Share Save CBS Denver 84K subscribers Officer John Smyly resigned but the department. Mr Atkinson says in a video taken by a neighbour. Boulder officials conducted an investigation of . Black college student Zyad Atkinson, and hundreds of thousands who have seen the video, say otherwise. Major problem with the gang boys turning up always ready to kill based on what the fuck-wit cop said on his Radio. He is likely employed at a different police department at this time. Elected officials must OK any settlement greater than $10,000, per city code. Share Them by March 3, A glossary of kink terms you didn't want to know but now will, Dominion Has the Cure for Foxitis: $1.6 Billion Defamation Lawsuit, Jefferson County Finds Itself Up a Tree Over Controversial Forest-Thinning Practices, Impending Bill Digs Into Problems With Colorado's Environmental Permitting Process. DAMM GOOD POINT ! As part of a settlement with the city, Smyly remained under city employment until February as he exhausted accrued holiday, sick and administrative leave. It is in fact an addiction out of fear based behavior and the need to control their environment around them. 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. An outside investigation confirmed the departments finding that the stop was not racially motivated, though many Boulder residents were not convinced by the reports. 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. 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. 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