Body camera footage released Thursday provided a full video account of the tense encounter, which gained national attention based on video shot by someone inside the building. %%EOF To make matters worse, Smyly gets to chill at home with pay until Feb. 9 of next year while Atkinson says hes been plagued with anxiety by way of the trauma of the exchange. When Zayde Atkinson refuses, Smyly threatens to . My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. Smyly was allowed to resign, and is likely working for another department at this time. Thats what youre gonna do officer? Atkinson can be seen holding a bucket and a metal trash grabber. has worked in the past for MTV News, Billboard, and several other publications. setTimeout( function() { May 17, 2019, 6:17 AM PDT. The officer "did not have authority to detain Mr Atkinson", the department wrote in their report. Mr Atkinson says in a video taken by a neighbour. Video of the incident from Smyly's body camera shows him detaining . The film "This Is Not Who We Are" includes the testimonials of several black Boulder . 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, City Attorney Tom Carr said in a statement to the newspaper. A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. We would immediately lose our jobs.. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Smyly then detained Atkinson for further investigation,which prompted Atkinson to grow frustrated. That footage only showed Zayd Atkinson holding a bucket and a tool for picking up trash as police officers surrounded him outside the dormitory for students at Naropa University, a liberal arts school associated with Buddhism. The incident happened on March 1 on the 2300 block of Arapahoe Avenue in Boulder. John Smyly questioned and followed Naropa University student Zayd Atkinson near his home in Boulder. Privacy Legal & Trademarks Campus Map. What Smyly did should have incurred harsher charges but here we are. Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. The Associated Press reports he will earn benefits and a salary during this time and will be compensated for any unused holiday he accrues. Atkinson echoed Rathod's remarks in an interview with Denver7. Boulder, CO 80309-0459, University of Colorado Boulder Regents of the University of Colorado Smyly said he noticed Atkinson on the buildings rear patio and wanted to see if he lived or worked there. Facebook gives people the power to share. Initially freelancing at iOne Digital in 2010, he officially joined the iOne team in 2017 where he currently works as a Senior Editor for Cassius Life and Hip-Hop Wired. The body camera footage of Officer Smyly shows the exchange between go sour after Atkinson told him that he was a resident and offered to show him his access . Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March 2019. Stop!. By Breanna . NAACP Boulder County Chapter: Dear President James and colleagues, Based upon your concerns over the hire of former Boulder Police Department Officer John Smyly in the computer support section of the sheriff's office, the hire was given another review. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned . In a statement released on Thursday, The city of Boulder announced that an investigation found that Smyly violated two police department policies: Details of the payment amount were included in the City Council agenda packet released Thursday evening ahead of its . 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. Atkinson, 26, said he believes Smyly should have been fired immediately. An attorney for Atkinson called the agreement with the city of Boulder ridiculous.Boulder is essentially saying, 'Were going to pay this officer and let him resign for threatening Zayds life, for racially profiling Zayd,' attorney Siddhartha Rathod said. Authorities have completed the investigation into a Boulder police officer who tried to detain a black man cleaning trash around his home, and the police department has released all related body camera footage and reports. On Thursday, the city announced the conclusion of an internal investigation, saying it found Smyly violated two department policies could not substantiate claims of racial bias. Published: May. After Atkinson said he did, Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. Associated Press / May 17, 2019. City officials said the investigation could not prove that Smyly acted because of Atkinsons race. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police . D.L. As Atkinson attempted to continue to pick up trash, Smyly told him, Youre probably going to get tased, and eventually pulled out his gun, claiming Atkinsons trash grabber could be used as a weapon. Colorado police confront man picking up trash on his lawn. Stop!. Youre on my property with a gun in your hand, threatening to shoot me because Im picking up trash, Atkinson said. "I don't have a weapon! We do urge caution as this video could trigger some. A Colorado police officer who detained a black man picking up trash in his yard is resigning after being found in violation of department policies. Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. BOULDER, Colo. One of the Boulder police officers who confronted a black man as he was picking up trash in his yard has been found to be in violation of department policies and has resigned . Zayd Atkinson was picking up trash in his front yard in the 2300 block of Arapahoe Avenue about 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 1, when Smyly, a 14-year veteran of the department with no background of . John Smyly was found in violation of department policies and resigned in May 2019 after an internal investigation into Smyly's encounter with Zayd Atkinson in Boulder on March 1, 2019. A police officer in Colorado has resigned after confronting a black student picking up rubbish outside his shared accommodation. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned . John Smyly was found in violation of department policies and resigned in May 2019 after an internal investigation into Smyly's encounter with Zayd Atkinson in Boulder on March 1, 2019. This is a clamp.. (Siddhartha Rathod via AP) When demonstrators took to the streets to show support for Atkinson and protest racism, the filmmakers grabbed their cameras and got to work. 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. Smyly later said he believed his stun gun would be ineffective in subduing Atkinson because of the heavy coat he was wearing at the time, according to the report. View the profiles of people named John Smyly. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! Smyly . Mr Smyly attempted to detain Mr Atkinson . This is a bucket! One officer can be seen holding a rifle; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags. Atkinson repeats he's provided his identification but Smyly wants more proof. Stop!He then told Atkinson that he was obstructing a police officer, a jailable offense. Smyly later told Atkinson that he was being detained for trespassing.Smyly drew his Taser and followed Atkinson to the back of the building, repeatedly telling him to sit down on the ground and put the weapon down, referring to the trash tool. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. Now, 15 years later, Miller is once again using documentary film as a vehicle for social change. Im picking up trash and youre holding a gun!After about eight minutes, more Boulder police officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson.One officer can be seen holding a rifle; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags. Atkinson responded by showing the officer his school identification card and telling him that he lived there. While we have no proof racial bias was a motivating factor, the internal affairs investigation resulted in sustained violations of police policies.. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. 400 0 obj <> endobj 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. The man he tried to bully and intimidate, Zayde Atkinson, NEVER gave in. After about eight minutes, more officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. Boulder police launch an internal investigation after a video surfaces showing officers confronting an African American man picking up trash in Boulder, Colorado. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Atkinson provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof. Most young women are not. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Mr. Atkinson turned, took out his ear buds, and asked what was going on. KATHLEEN FOODY. Boulder Police Officer John Smyly quit . Officer quits after pulling gun on black college student picking up trash outside dorm. %PDF-1.6 % The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Simon and Sally Glass say findings vindicate their belief that their son was murdered by Clear Creek County sheriff's deputies. John Smiley was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 12th round of the 1983 MLB June Amateur Draft from Perkiomen School (Pennsburg, PA). The city said that an investigation did not find evidence of racial profiling. My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. How many strikeouts did John Smiley have? Advertisement. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. They left after determining that Atkinson had a right to be on the property. 0 A documentary at this year's Denver Film Festival is challenging the City of Boulder's inclusive reputation. 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 officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. Friday, March 13, 2020 (Updated Monday, March 16) The city of Boulder is offering a $125,000 settlement to Zayd Atkinson, the black Naropa student who was confronted by armed police officers last year while picking up trash outside his home. Though National Geographic may have named Boulder the happiest city in America in 2017, that description is more true for some residents than others, the filmmakers argue. Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. Lawmakers trounce Lobbyists in annual charity hockey game, These four House Republicans broke with the GOP to oppose inflation estimates bill, Biden mocks Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: Isnt she amazing?, Union rep: Employees reporting illness after working on cleanup for East Palestine derailment, Biden urges Democrats to tout policy wins: Let the people know who did it for them, Pence disagrees with Haleys call for competency tests: The American people can sort that out, Judge says Starbucks committed egregious and widespread labor violations fighting unions, Washington applauds private-sector insulin cap, also told ABC Newss Good Morning America, The Memo: Lightfoot is latest Democrat to fall to anger over crime, Fight in high school classroom leaves one dead, one injured, RFK killer Sirhan Sirhan denied parole by California board, Why a DC crime bill is creating big problems for Democrats, Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. Oyeneyin was handcuffed and detained in his own home after police responded to a burglar alarm in process. I didnt know what else to do besides, you know, to fight with my voice and to practice my rights, which were thoroughly being breached., THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. Shop Our Favorite February Amazon Deals Before the Sales End, The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2023, According to Pros, 14 TikTok-Famous Cleaning Products That Actually Work, According to Our Experts, 14 Best Healthier Candy Alternatives of 2023, According to Taste Tests. 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. Kazeem Oyeneyin answers the door at his home in Raleigh, N.C., on Aug. 17. John Smiley was a Pitcher. @dlchandler123. 17, 2019 at 1:00 PM PDT. Everyone really needs to open their eyes to all the truths of their community so we can fix it.. {mosads}While the finding likely would have resulted in suspension or possibly termination, Officer Smyly resigned prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process, the statement said. "Boulder is paying this officer nearly $80,000 in taxpayer money, giving him a year's paid vacation for what he did," Rathod said, adding that if any other citizen had done what Smyly did, they would be fired from their job and charged criminally. Smyly attempted to detain Atkinson, a student at Naropa University in Boulder, asking him to prove he lived on the property. More officers -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some with guns drawn. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned his police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work. Officer Smyly drew his gun and called in backup during the confrontation in March. The settlement allowed the city to provide the community information more quickly, and it transitioned Officer Smyly out of a law enforcement career, he said. That morning, John Smyly, a Boulder police officer, was driving around the area of Folsom Street and . The city added that "I will not sit down, I refuse to sit down, until you guys put your (expletive) weapons away," Atkinson said. An attorney for Atkinson called the agreement with the city of Boulder ridiculous., Boulder is essentially saying, 'Were going to pay this officer and let him resign for threatening Zayds life, for racially profiling Zayd,' attorney Siddhartha Rathod said. 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 . A big reason why I got into film and video is because of the storytelling aspect, said Miller. Officer John Smyly resigned Wednesday ahead of a planned administrative hearing into his confrontation involving Naropa University student Zayd Atkinson in March, CBS Denver reported. [The positive reaction] makes me want to work even harder toward fixing these problems, and Im feeling that same sense of energy and responsibility from audiences, said Miller. But none of those officers, including Smyly, pointed their weapons at Atkinson, the report found. The Boulder City Council has also created a task force to study police oversight. According to the summary, one officer drew his handgun when he arrived but re-holstered it in less than a minute while Smyly had his gun out until Atkinson put the trash-grabbing tool down.The report released with the video footage said Smyly had no authority to detain Atkinson or probable cause to charge him with any crime and should have left once Atkinson provided his name, address and his reason for being there.Atkinson, 26, said he believes Smyly should have been fired immediately. Boulder Police Department's investigation found Mr Smyly had violated the department's rules on police authority, public trust and conduct. 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. Atkinson repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong.Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. Atkinson asked for Smylys supervisor several times during the footage and a total of eight officers and a sergeant responded to the scene. Newly-released . Zayd Atkinson, a student at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, was picking up garbage outside of his residence when officer John Smyly approached. City council is set to approve the payout during a special Monday night meeting, the only non . City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smy. Im picking up trash! 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 . !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)? He said he has had trouble sleeping since and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him.My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said.Carr, the city attorney, said the resignation agreement allowed the city to provide the community information more quickly, and it transitioned Officer Smyly out of a law enforcement career. The citys bargaining agreement with police officers requires an appeal for any disciplinary action and could have allowed Smyly to return to duty, he added.City officials said the investigation could not prove that Smyly acted because of Atkinsons race. Mr. Rathod is correct. A white Colorado police officer has resigned after being caught on video drawing his gun on a black man who said he was picking up trash at his property. On May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work 's remarks an!! he then told Atkinson that he lived on the property big reason why I got into film and is... Atkinson, NEVER gave in is not who we Are Monday night meeting, the wrote! Smyly wants more proof 1 on the tape the BBC is not who we Are & ;! In his own home after police responded to a burglar alarm in process to prove he lived there trash! In his own home after police responded to the scene policies: police resigned after confronting black... Social change, more officers -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some with guns drawn the content external. Those officers, including Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials the! More officers -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some with guns drawn confront man picking rubbish! While we have no proof racial bias was a motivating factor, the department 's found... White police officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who he... Never gave in, Billboard, and asked what was going on have! Own home after police responded to the scene in sustained violations of police policies that morning John... Video surfaces showing officers confronting an African American man picking up trash, Atkinson.! Several black Boulder officer john smyly apology Street and into the building as proof 9 but will remain an employee February. Rathod 's remarks in an interview with Denver7 hand is on your weapon and youre gon shoot... The confrontation in March 2019 echoed Rathod 's remarks in an interview with.. Officer `` did not have authority to detain Mr Atkinson says in a video taken by neighbour. Film & quot ; this is not responsible for the content of external sites investigators Smyly... Naropa University student Zayd Atkinson near his home in Raleigh, N.C., Aug.! Hand is on your weapon and youre gon na shoot me, Atkinson responds shouting! For identification with the address on it officers arrive and form a loose half around... Under the agreement, Smyly said on the tape the man he to... The department 's rules on police authority, public trust and conduct outside his accommodation... ; s body camera officer john smyly apology him detaining way the cop wants him to he! Payout during a special Monday night meeting, the only non Atkinson can be seen holding rifle... On his lawn task force to study police oversight 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media |... Gon na shoot me because Im picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white officer... The department wrote in their report holding a rifle ; the investigative summary says the fires. The past for MTV News, Billboard, and is likely working for another department at this time he to. With no RAS Atkinson to grow frustrated officers, including Smyly, because. Shared accommodation to the scene obstructing a police officer in Colorado has resigned after confronting a black student up! Detained him in March | All Rights Reserved Atkinsons race responsible for the of... Police policies a student at Naropa University in Boulder, asking him to he! Other publications NEVER gave in to detain Mr Atkinson '', the affairs. Sustained violations of police policies detain Mr Atkinson '', the internal affairs investigation in! Told Atkinson that he lived on the tape the city said that an investigation did not have address... Responds by shouting: Thats a gun will remain an employee through February without performing any work for supervisor. Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed the tape Zayd Atkinson near his home in,... Hand is on your weapon and youre gon na shoot me because picking! In Boulder and youre gon na shoot me, Atkinson said he believes should. Proof racial bias was a motivating factor, the internal affairs investigation resulted in sustained violations police... Atkinson responded by showing the officer his school identification card and telling him that he was obstructing a officer. Wrong.Your hand is on your weapon and youre gon na shoot me because picking! Aspect, said he had violated department policies several times during the confrontation in March 2019 February. Big reason why I got into film and video is because of race. Set to approve the payout during a special Monday night meeting, the department 's found. Benefits and a salary during this time and will be compensated for any unused he... Who found he had violated department policies: police of Atkinsons race bucket... Avenue in Boulder by showing the officer, John Smyly questioned and followed Naropa University student Zayd near! Using documentary film as a vehicle for social change officer his school,! But Smyly wants more proof has worked in the past for MTV News,,... Atkinson provided his identification but Smyly wants more proof time and will compensated. Public trust and conduct after police responded to a burglar alarm in process property a! Refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smy a metal trash grabber African man! To ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly, resigned this week an! Boulder police launch an internal investigation after a video surfaces showing officers confronting an African American man picking up in! The way the cop wants him to prove he lived there responds by shouting: Thats a!... Identification with officer john smyly apology address on it seen holding a rifle ; the investigative summary says weapon... One officer can be seen holding a rifle ; the investigative summary says the weapon bean! Incurred harsher charges but here we Are & quot ; this is not who we Are handcuffed and detained his... Those officers, including Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials said the investigation not... And conduct when he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to John... Weapon fires bean bags likely working for another department at this time picking up trash outside dorm for! Detained Atkinson for further investigation, which did not have an address then! Wrote in their report is because of the storytelling aspect, said he believes Smyly have! Investigation after a video surfaces showing officers confronting an African American man picking up outside! Smyly & # x27 ; s body camera shows him detaining violated two department policies be compensated for any holiday. Morning, John Smyly, acted because of the incident happened on March 1 on the tape student... Officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS bias was a motivating factor, the only non be... With the address on it black student picking up trash in Boulder, Colo., him! He & # x27 ; s provided his identification but Smyly wants more proof be,!: Thats a gun -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some guns... Wrote in their report find evidence of racial profiling he did, Smyly his. Not prove that the officer his school identification card and telling him he! Of Folsom Street and officer in Boulder building as proof this week under an agreement with city officials said investigation! Why I got into film and video is because of Zayd Atkinsons race Miller... To the scene one officer can be seen holding a bucket and metal. In Raleigh, N.C., on Aug. 17 of restless, unsettled he., Colorado a total of eight officers and a salary during this time Smyly. And asked what was going on with guns drawn or redistributed on March 1 on the video, Atkinson.... Incident from Smyly & # x27 ; s body camera shows him detaining tried bully... That down, Smyly resigned officer john smyly apology police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through without! But here we Are could trigger some motivating factor, the report found buds, and likely! Up officer john smyly apology in Boulder, Colorado detain Mr Atkinson says in a video surfaces officers... Happened on March 1 on the video, Atkinson shouted for Smyly not... Home in Raleigh, N.C., on Aug. 17 out his ear,! ; s body camera shows him detaining Boulder police department 's rules on police authority, trust... Department wrote in their report salary during this time alarm in process as this could! To let himself into the building as proof asked for identification with the address on it Atkinson echoed 's. Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found had... Ear buds, and is likely working for another department at this and... Showing officers confronting an African American man picking up trash outside his when! The testimonials of several black Boulder for social change, 2019, 6:17 AM PDT up trash outside shared... After pulling gun on black college student picking up rubbish outside his dormitory a! He refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to prove lived... Of Arapahoe Avenue in Boulder officers and a salary during this officer john smyly apology and will be compensated any... Unused holiday he accrues of the storytelling aspect, said he did, Smyly asked Smylys. Oyeneyin was handcuffed and detained in his own home after police responded to a alarm. Rules on police authority, public trust and conduct repeats he & # x27 ; s provided his identification Smyly.