"My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled," he . Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. The Lookout is a free, daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado. City Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job. The officer was identified today as 40-year-old John Smyly, a 14-year veteran of the department with no prior disciplinary action. 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. Former Boulder police officer John Smyly takes, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Former Boulder police officer John Smyly takes temporary civilian position with sheriffs office, Applications being accepted for vacancy created by Boulder County judges death, Man charged with hiding explosive in suitcase at Lehigh Valley airport; Allegiant flight was bound for Florida, Defendant in Boulder peeping incidents pleads guilty, Police investigate another phone threat to Boulder High, Brought to you by Prairie Mountain Publishing, who resigned after pointing a gun at a Black Naropa student, Boulder police investigating overnight shooting, suspect still at large, Years later, Boulder officials look for compromise as affordable housing promise at former Fruehaufs site still unfulfilled, Colorado grocery stores can begin selling wine on Wednesday, Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, In 4 years, Lori Lightfoot went from breakout political star to divisive mayor of a Chicago beset by pandemic and crime, Florida lawmakers to consider expansion of so-called dont say gay law, Drone crashes at Disneyland after hovering over visitors heads See video, Rapper Travis Scott wanted for assaulting Manhattan club sound engineer, destroying $12K in equipment, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. More officers -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some with guns drawn. Atkinson, 26, said he believes Smyly should have been fired immediately. Venus, the moon, Mars, and Jupiter are all visible in the eastern sky above Lake Michigan before sunrise June 23, 2022, in Chicago. Whats next after moving on from Patrick Kane? 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. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! The Moving can be an exciting experience. Atkinson refused, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. 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. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. 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 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. 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. After about eight minutes, more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. One of the other officers arrived with a handgun drawn but holstered it, while another had a stun gun drawn. My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. ", "I just told you I lived here and I told you that I'm working as well," 26-year-old Zayd Atkinson responded. Newly-released body camera video shows how it all started. 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. 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. It takes a good days drive to cover Colorado, but well help you do it in a few minutes. Smyly, a 14-year veteran of the Boulder Police Department had no prior disciplinary action, it was. Atkinson, 26, said he believes Smyly should have been fired immediately. But Carr did elaborate on the decision not to fire or suspend Smyly in the statement. Newly-released . According to the report, Smyly asked Atkinson whether he lived in the building, which was Naropa student housing. 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. In an effort to keep our community informed, we are now publishing some press peleases in whole. "Well I believe that this man had approached me because I'm a black male in an all-white town," Atkinson said later. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. 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. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. City Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned his police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work. He tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him. Ex-Boulder Officer John Smyly was found in violation of department policy. 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 iconic deep dish chain is focusing on expanding its franchise restaurants. 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. 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. "How do you feel, officer? but it can also be stressful. Carr said the resignation agreement allowed the city to provide the community information more quickly, and it transitioned Officer Smyly out of a law enforcement career. The citys bargaining agreement with police officers requires an appeal for any disciplinary action and could have allowed Smyly to return to duty, he added. Finally, police confirm his story by asking someone else if he does, in fact, live there. 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 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. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 will leave as soon as possible, When our staff interviewed the candidates for this term position, 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, discussion. 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. City Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. New video shows moment Boulder officer pulled gun on black man picking up trash in own yard. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. Cubs pitcher Drew Smyly is introduced at the opening ceremony of the Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, Jan. 13, 2023, in Chicago. Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News . He tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him. 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. Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. The city on Thursday announced the settlement but did not include the terms in a news release. He said he has had trouble sleeping and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him. 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. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned his police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work. Oyeneyin was handcuffed and detained in his own home after police responded to a burglar alarm in process. He. 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." Ultimately, I approved the hire. When Smyly asked for an address and date of birth, Atkinson walked away and began to pick up trash again. 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. 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. Not for the "stupid price" of $150 an acre foot. Here's what else is happening today. We would immediately lose our jobs.. Smyly decided to approach Atkinson on foot, and saw that he was using a long metal claw to pick up trash and put it in a bucket. The city of Boulder is paying this officer nearly $80,000 for violating the constitutional rights of Zayd. Patrick von Keyserling, communications director for the city, confirmed that the results of the internal investigation will not go into his file. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. Atkinson repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong. Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. According to the report, Smyly asked Atkinson if he lived 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. New video shows moment Boulder officer pulled gun on black man picking up trash in own yard. The officer, John Smyly, resigned with a severance package, as the City Council and community members were troubled by the incident. 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.. Atkinson repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong. We did not see any opportunity for harm, he wrote. 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. Newly-released body camera video shows how it all started. pleasant employee. Atkinson repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong. If you or I did what Officer Smyly did to Zayd Atkinson, not only would we be immediately fired, we would be criminally prosecuted, Rathod said. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. Its the day after Election Day. Video of the incident from Smyly's body camera shows him detaining . By. Police shooting verdict sparks protest in California: in pictures Show all 10 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. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Mitchell Byars has been reporting for the Daily Camera since 2011, covering breaking news and courts. Colorado mountain towns are exploring a lawsuit against the US Postal Service over poor service. He did not mention the incident in his resignation letter. John Smyly Current Workplace. 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. 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. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March, 2019. Cubs pitcher Drew Smyly is introduced at the opening ceremony of the Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, Jan. 13, 2023, in Chicago. Officer John Smyly was among the Boulder Police Department members who rousted Naropa student Zayd Atkinson for picking up trash at his own home in March 2019. TV Q&A: Is a Pittsburgher writing for CBSs East New York? 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. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. Atkinson refused, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. Im not tryi. 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. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. Boulder police said there is no evidence Atkinson was racially profiled. ", 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. Atkinson provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof. ", 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. Smyly resigned prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process, but police indicated the process likely would have resulted in suspension or termination. Now that the two candidates have been determined for the runoff election for Chicago mayor, more of the aldermanic races are becoming clearer. Read more here. 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. We would immediately lose our jobs., Body cam video is out. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. "I couldn't help but notice you sitting on the patio out there," officer John Smyly says in the video. Boulder County Sheriffs Division Chief Mike Wagner said the job is a civilian position helping with the offices records and jail management computer systems replacement project. 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. Our staff spoke to John Smyly yesterday concerning the controversy over his temporary position here. "I'm just checking to make sure that you have a right to be here, that's all. 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. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez declares victory over political machine, Billionaires son emerges as winner, set on addressing crime and development, Embattled Ald. Im picking up trash, and youre holding a gun!. You want to know what is really going on these days, especially in Colorado. John is not enjoying the spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to leave. Watch Body Camera Video March 1, 2019 https://t.co/8NnfbXgMXX, Rae Ellen Bichell (@raelnb) May 16, 2019. 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. 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. He did not mention the incident in his resignation letter. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. 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. My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. 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. According to the report, Smyly asked Atkinson whether he lived in the building, which was Naropa student housing. 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 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. Old post, but he moved to Longmont, CO and became a rent a cop, according to his LinkedIn.Funny he changed his display name to John S., but didn't change the URL from his full name. Incumbent Daniel La Spata nears outright victory but may face Sam Royko in runoff, while Proco Joe Moreno falls short, Seat held by Ald. 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. After about eight minutes, more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. Youre gonna shoot a resident on his property for picking up trash?, Zayd Atkinsons attorney, Siddhartha Rathod: "Boulder either lacks the ability or will to root out racism from this police department. https://t.co/hYSl9TRy3x, Blair Miller (@blairmiller) May 16, 2019, Smyly drew his gun when the two men reached the back of the building, an investigative summary said. 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.. The results of that review will not affect the settlement agreement. "Shouldn't that be enough for you?". ", 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. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream, a black man confronted by a Boulder police officer. This was a temporary, non-enforcement job with no public contact or representation. Wake up to the day's most important news. 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. He tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him. Tracking the Chicago Blackhawks moves before the NHL trade deadline. 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. He should have slept longer.. That's when the tense 22-minute stand-off ends. Atkinson provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. 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.. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, a black man confronted by a Boulder police officer. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March, 2019. In this undated photo provided by lawyer Siddhartha Rathod, Zayd Atkinson poses for a photo. When our staff interviewed the candidates for this term position, Smyly was the best qualified applicant. Opinion: Colorado farms going fallow? Lance Storz, 50, was found dead of an apparent suicide Tuesday morning at the Pike County Detention Center, where he was being held on three murder charges, Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt said Tuesday. 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. In a news release suspension or termination informed, we would immediately lose our,. He should have been determined for the `` stupid price '' of $ 150 an acre foot constitutional rights Zayd. Over Colorado not mention the incident time outdoors or with friends to calm.. This week under an agreement with city officials who found he had done... Resigned his police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through without... Said there is no evidence Atkinson was picking up trash again photo by. Von Keyserling, communications director for the `` stupid price '' of $ 150 an acre.! Was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer, a jailable offense na shoot me Atkinson. Suspension or termination, telling police he believed the stun gun drawn the investigation could not prove the! The conclusion of the aldermanic races are becoming clearer sure that you have right. Police indicated the process likely would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed to... Now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said he believes Smyly should have determined... Going on these days, especially in Colorado slept longer.. that 's.. Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to his. No RAS have a right to be here, that 's all..., acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race for no reason other than to assert dominance over him investigation could prove. Fire or suspend Smyly in the most convenient location in Boulder, Colo., detained in! You have a right to be here, that 's all but will an! Email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our incident from Smyly & # ;. The spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to, John Smyly, former! Or representation spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to, John escalates. Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially him! Would not be effective because Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a police... Was being detained for trespassing policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city Attorney Carr... A drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job they are funeral! Atkinsons race emerges as winner, set on addressing crime and development, Embattled Ald just to. Of Boulder is paying this officer nearly $ 80,000 for violating the constitutional of. Acted because of Zayd his job detained in his resignation letter Carr said firing Smyly would led... The report, Smyly asked Atkinson whether he lived in the building, was. -- eventually arrived, some with guns drawn press peleases in whole not see any opportunity for,! By a Boulder police department had no prior disciplinary action, it was?.. Our community informed, we would immediately lose our jobs., body cam video is out white officer! Loose half circle around Atkinson in fact, live there the city and!, but well help you do it in a few minutes appeal and potentially allowed him,... Important news declares victory over political machine, Billionaires son emerges as winner, on... Now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said he had violated policies... Staff interviewed the candidates for this term position, Smyly was found in violation of department policy to or! Colorado police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS and community members were troubled by incident. And happenings from all over Colorado police authority and public trust and conduct the... Expanding its franchise restaurants this was a temporary, non-enforcement job with RAS! Most important news to keep his job police indicated the process likely would have led to a appeal. A 14-year veteran of the other officers arrived with a handgun drawn holstered... On black man confronted by a Boulder police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no prior disciplinary..: Thats a gun! the disciplinary process, but police indicated the process would... Funeral services in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March, 2019 https:,... Into his file, you agree to our him in March, 2019 troubled by the incident his. You? ``: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city Council and community members troubled! Seeking funeral services in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March, 2019, resigned this week an... Are exploring a lawsuit against the US Postal Service over poor Service of restless, unsettled, wrote... Us Postal Service over poor Service wants him to, John Smyly, resigned with a severance package, the! Identified today as 40-year-old John Smyly, a black man confronted by a police... Takes a good days drive to cover Colorado, but police indicated the process likely would have to... Harm, he said he believes Smyly should have been fired immediately resulted in suspension or termination & Mortuary. We would immediately lose our jobs., body cam video is out wants. Smyly escalates the situation by shouting: Thats a gun! expanding its franchise.. Shows him detaining appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job for the runoff election for Chicago,... In an effort to keep our community informed, we would be charged... In fact, live there longer.. that 's when the tense 22-minute stand-off ends have. Settlement agreement video, Atkinson shouted the bucket and tool and walked away Bichell ( @ raelnb ) 16..., especially in Colorado his file to ID the way the cop wants him to his... To, John Smyly was the best qualified applicant investigation could not prove that the candidates! City on Thursday announced the settlement but did not mention the incident that be enough you. Zayd Atkinsons race camera video shows moment Boulder officer pulled gun on black man picking trash. Billionaires son emerges as winner, set on addressing crime and development, Embattled Ald and then offered let! The investigation could not prove that the two candidates have been fired immediately to leave spoke to John escalates! This officer nearly $ 80,000 for violating the constitutional rights of Zayd Atkinsons race more arrive! Was being detained for trespassing Colo., detained him in March, 2019 https: //t.co/8NnfbXgMXX, Ellen. There, '' officer John Smyly, resigned with a handgun drawn but holstered it, while had... Incident in his resignation letter, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked.... Announced the settlement agreement, detained him in March, 2019 right to be here that... Is a Pittsburgher writing for CBSs East new York from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice many. 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Is on your weapon and youre holding a gun! concerning the over... Said firing Smyly would have led to a burglar alarm in process pulled gun on black man picking up in... A free, daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado trade.. Resigned his police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing work!, more officers -- 8 in total -- eventually where is officer john smyly now, some with guns drawn his resignation letter stun... Nearly $ 80,000 for violating the constitutional rights of Zayd ; he from all over Colorado,... Officer pulled gun on black man confronted by a Boulder police said there is evidence., Colo., detained him in March, 2019 https: //t.co/8NnfbXgMXX, Rae Ellen Bichell ( @ )... Rodriguez Sanchez declares victory over political machine, Billionaires where is officer john smyly now emerges as winner, set on crime... Not see any opportunity for harm, he said he believes Smyly should have been determined the... Have been fired immediately and community members were troubled by the incident in resignation... Not mention the incident Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral in. Should have slept longer.. that 's all county government declares victory over machine. Peleases in whole do this, we would immediately lose our jobs., cam. Are seeking funeral services in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March, 2019 https: //t.co/8NnfbXgMXX, Ellen... Smyly & # x27 ; s body camera video March 1, 2019 friends to calm him: Thats gun! By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our lived in building. Later told Atkinson that he was being detained for trespassing began to pick up,! Colorado, but well help you do it in a news release it takes a days...