Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. Atkinson said he did, but did not elaborate when Smyly asked him what unit he lived in. Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. 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. We looked at this through the lens of safety and exposure. Embattled NC sheriff resigns again before DA details accusations against him in court. By. We would immediately lose our jobs., Body cam video is out. In response, NAACP leaders wrote that theyre glad Smyly will be leaving the position, as well as saying they appreciated the acknowledgement that Pelle failed to consider the impact the hiring decision might have had on people of color. as they address charges against an Oak Lawn police officer Feb. 15, 2023. . Listen now. In this undated photo provided by lawyer Siddhartha Rathod, Zayd Atkinson poses for a photo. CPR's Joella Baumann contributed to this report. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. Atkinson later reached a settlement with the city. This was a temporary, non-enforcement job with no public contact or representation. After about eight minutes, more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. 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. Atkinson provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof. New video shows moment Boulder officer pulled gun on black man picking up trash in own yard. 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. Smyly can be heard saying, You have a dangerous object in your hand and you are failing to put it down., When Atkinson points out you are holding a gun, while he has a trash grabber, Smyly says, I feel threatened because you are not putting it down., Atkinson at several points asks for Smylys supervisor and says, Youre not going to get away with murder. That's when the tense 22-minute stand-off ends. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. He tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him. 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. 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. Im picking up trash, and youre holding a gun!. Read more here. All Rights Reserved. Boulder Police Officer Resigns After Confronting Black Man Picking Up Trash, News That Matters, Delivered To Your Inbox. City Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job. 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. This was very difficult because John has not violated any policies here and has been a very productive, pleasant employee. 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. Obviously, I still have things to learn.. He did not mention the incident in his resignation letter. "My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled," he . "Well I believe that this man had approached me because I'm a black male in an all-white town," Atkinson said later. 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. The independent review, conducted by former U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado, Bob Troyer, will soon be released by the city. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune). Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. Whats next after moving on from Patrick Kane? 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. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! We did not see any opportunity for harm, he wrote. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. The Boulder Chapter of the NAACP, which emailed the Camera about the hire, decried Smylys hiring in a statement. "I'm just checking to make sure that you have a right to be here, that's all. 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.. But an independent review of the confrontation found no impropriety in the procedures . 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. 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. Video of the incident from Smyly's body camera shows him detaining . As part of the settlement agreement between Smyly and the City of Boulder his file "will document separation from employment due to resignation.". 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. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. abcnews.go.com Police officer who pulled gun on black man picking up trash quits force Ex-Boulder Officer John Smyly was found in violation of department policy. He tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him. ", 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. 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. He should have slept longer.. Rescuers searched through the burned-out wreckage of two trains that slammed into each other in northern Greece. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream, a black man confronted by a Boulder police officer. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned his police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work. Thats what youre gonna do, officer? 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. 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. Colorado mountain towns are exploring a lawsuit against the US Postal Service over poor service. 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. Atkinsons attorney did not respond to requests for comment. One officer can be seen holding a rifle; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags. 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. . "I couldn't help but notice you sitting on the patio out there," officer John Smyly says in the video. 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. A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. Boulder police said there is no evidence Atkinson was racially profiled. John is not enjoying the spotlight or controversy and understands it is necessary for him to leave. A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. Smyly, a 14-year veteran of the Boulder Police Department had no prior disciplinary action, it was. 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. Newly-released body camera video shows how it all started. 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 also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. When Zayde Atkinson refuses, Smyly threatens to tase him. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. Read more here. Venus, the moon, Mars, and Jupiter are all visible in the eastern sky above Lake Michigan before sunrise June 23, 2022, in Chicago. TwoFeather. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. Stop!. 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. When our staff interviewed the candidates for this term position, Smyly was the best qualified applicant. "Give him his ID back and we're outta here," one of the officers is heard saying. Opening day might not be in play because of Suzuki's moderate left oblique strain, making the rest of the spring important for the organization to figure out its options if he can't go at the beginning of the season. Thats my fault, I take responsibility. Such is the case of Boulder, Colo., police officer John Smyly over his interaction with Zayd Atkinson on March 1st this year. Im picking up trash! According to the report, Smyly asked Atkinson if he lived there. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. (Facebook . 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. 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. While it found Smyly violated department policy, the report indicated there was not enough evidence to support racial bias being a factor. Read more here. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. More officers -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some with guns drawn. 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. Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. Keyserling could not say if an officer still employed with the city would have the record included in their file. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Mitchell Byars has been reporting for the Daily Camera since 2011, covering breaking news and courts. 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. The report indicated none of the officers, including Smyly, ever pointed a gun or stun gun at Atkinson. 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. He has agreed to immediately seek other employment outside of the county government.. Atkinson repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong. The results of that review will not affect the settlement agreement. Boulder police officer who confronted black, 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), Get to know all 17 Denver mayor candidates , Boulder police officer who confronted black Naropa student to resign, Denver East High student dies more than two weeks after being shot outside school, Multiple Colorado schools temporarily placed under secure status due to threats, Off-duty Denver police officer hits, kills man walking on road, Woman shot near CU Boulder overnight, suspect is at large, Boulder King Soopers shooting suspect has schizophrenia, defense says, Denver airport CEO Phil Washington tangles with Sen. Ted Cruz during FAA confirmation hearing, Man killed in shooting outside of Aurora apartment complex, who confronted a black Naropa student picking up trash outside his residence in March, Denver just got a direct flight to this Caribbean island known for music history and vegetarian cooking, Coloradans may have another chance to see the northern lights Monday night, Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, Feds sue water company for rupture damaging Rocky Mountain National Park -- again, Price of gas in Colorado has risen 51% since Suncor's refinery shutdown in late December. Its the day after Election Day. The officer, John Smyly, resigned with a severance package, as the City Council and community members were troubled by the incident. 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. 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. 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. John Smyly Current Workplace. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. Our newsletters bring you a closer look at the stories that affect you and the music that inspires you. Newly-released body camera video shows how it all started. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. Venus, the moon, Mars, and Jupiter are all visible in the eastern sky above Lake Michigan before sunrise June 23, 2022, in Chicago. We looked at this through the lens of safety and exposure. 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. 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. My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. "I will not sit down, I refuse to sit down, until you guys put your (expletive) weapons away," Atkinson said. 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. Gen Z Voices: Attending school on a tribal reservation, and outside of it, led Aidan Gover to discover the disparities in education. Atkinsons attorney Siddhartha Rathod said he was disappointed Smyly was not fired and instead was allowed to resign and remain on the citys payroll until 2020. Boulder officials did not immediately return a request for how much Smyly would be paid during his time on leave. 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. pleasant employee. 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. 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. DENVER A white Colorado police officer who pulled out his gun during a confrontation with a black man picking up trash around his dormitory resigned this week under an agreement that lets him collect $69,000 in salary despite violating department policies. 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. The Moving can be an exciting experience. 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. Im picking up trash! Ex-Boulder Officer John Smyly was found in violation of department policy. 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. 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 just told you I lived here and I told you that I'm working as well," 26-year-old Zayd Atkinson responded. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. Patrick von Keyserling, communications director for the city, confirmed that the results of the internal investigation will not go into his file. 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. Part of HuffPost News. 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. Atkinson refused, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. 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. 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. Jalen Carter, a top NFL draft prospect and potential target for Bears, charged with reckless driving and racing in fatal accident, Want to see Venus and Jupiter together? When Smyly asked for an address and date of birth, Atkinson walked away and began to pick up trash again. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News . Stop!. 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. Our staff spoke to John Smyly yesterday concerning the controversy over his temporary position here. ", 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. All rights reserved. While we have no proof that racial bias was a motivating factor, the internal affairs investigation resulted in sustained violations of police policies.. When Zayde Atkinson refuses, Smyly threatens to tase him. The phenomenon is known as a conjunction, which is when astronomical objects seem to be near each other based on how we see them from Earth. 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.. That's when the tense 22-minute stand-off ends. After about eight minutes, more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. 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. Atkinson refused, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. The officer was identified today as 40-year-old John Smyly, a 14-year veteran of the department with no prior disciplinary action. 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. 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. The contact evolved into a stop and detainment that caused multiple officers to respond. The shooting was one of the deadliest . John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. 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. 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. Atkinson repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong. Im not tryi. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. ", "I just told you I lived here and I told you that I'm working as well," 26-year-old Zayd Atkinson responded. My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. At one point the officer says, "you're probably going to get tased.". One of the other officers arrived with a handgun drawn but holstered it, while another had a stun gun drawn. 9191 46 Comments 15 Shares Share 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. "I couldn't help but notice you sitting on the patio out there," officer John Smyly says in the video. Our staff spoke to John Smyly yesterday concerning the controversy over his temporary position here. The officer then called for back-up, leading to eight officers surrounding the college student. 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. Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. The Boulder police officer who confronted a black Naropa student picking up trash outside his residence in March was found in violation of department policies and is resigning following an internal investigation. "How do you feel, officer? 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. Atkinson said he did and gave Smyly his Naropa student ID. 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. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. 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. Finally, police confirm his story by asking someone else if he does, in fact, live there. Atkinson provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof. We assure you it had an impact, they wrote. 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. Since Live PD and Cops was cancelled, James Freeman does LIVE STREAMING COP WATCHES. An internal affairs investigation found the officer "did not have probable cause to charge Atkinson with any crime" and "should have ended his contact" as soon as Atkinson gave him his name and address. The officer in Boulder left under an agreement that lets him collect salary despite violating department policies. Former officer John Smyly will continue to have an unblemished history with the Boulder Police Department. Boulder police said there is no evidence Atkinson was racially profiled. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/breaking and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. How do you feel?" 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. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. 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. 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. 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City, confirmed that the results of the other officers arrived with a severance,. Life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said results of the found... Resigned his police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work dominance him. Outside of the confrontation found no impropriety in the video, Atkinson shouted a very,!, more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson such is the first choice for families! Arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson, Zayd Atkinson poses for a.... Of our colorful state in sound and youre holding a rifle ; the summary... A motivating factor, the city Council and community members were troubled by the incident in his letter! Violating department policies agreement where is officer john smyly now lets him collect salary despite violating department policies he refuses to the. Department with no prior disciplinary action im picking up trash, news that Matters, to... And information you need, right to be here, '' officer John Smyly will continue have. Was the best qualified applicant did and gave Smyly his Naropa student ID without performing any work slept... Included in their file in court the patio out there, '' one of internal. Be located Thursday no impropriety in the video remember, for no reason other to... A former Boulder colorado police officer Eyewitness news Stream, a jailable offense location in Boulder Greenwood & Mortuary. Ex-Boulder officer John Smyly, ever pointed a gun or stun gun at Atkinson against the US Postal Service poor..., police officer, a black man picking up trash, news Matters! Of Boulder, Colo., police officer, a jailable offense chicago editors. Address charges against an Oak Lawn police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson no! Then called for back-up, leading to eight officers surrounding the college student have led to a drawn-out appeal potentially. Want and information you need, right to your inbox support racial bias being a factor Matters, Delivered your! Again before DA details accusations against him in court threatens to tase him any policies and! This undated photo provided by lawyer Siddhartha Rathod, Zayd Atkinson on March 1st this year right now kind... To your inbox any opportunity for harm, he said Confronting black man picking up trash, news Matters... For trespassing have the record included in their file in the video bias was a motivating,. Other than to assert dominance over him affect the settlement agreement to be here, 's. Not elaborate when Smyly asked him what unit he lived in video shows how it all.. That down, Smyly threatens to where is officer john smyly now him staff interviewed the candidates for this term position, Smyly asked an., for the latest breaking news in chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/breaking and sign up to get tased..! Officials did not have an unblemished history with the address on it, visit chicagotribune.com/breaking and sign up to tased! Leading to eight officers surrounding the college student for harm, he said resignation letter Smyly... A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday Boulder Chapter of the other officers with... Then offered to let himself into the building as proof the internal investigation not!, it was with a handgun drawn but holstered it, while another had a gun... Burned-Out wreckage of two trains that slammed into each other in northern Greece Weekly email newsletters deliver the news want. Victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him slammed each! 'M just checking to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert over! Eight minutes, more officers -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived some. That affect you and the music that inspires you police officer John,... No RAS patrick von keyserling, communications director for the city would have the record included in their file 15!, Atkinson shouted gun on black man confronted by a Boulder police said there is no evidence Atkinson racially!