It has historically had problems with minority communities," Rathod said. Troyer also is investigating a separate incident in which a police officer arrested a black man with a cane who was filming officers interacting with homeless people. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. That lack of explanation solidified Mr. Atkinsons perception that he was not being treated honestly and fairly, which increased his agitation and heightened his berating of the officers.. Mr. Atkinson raised his voice and yelled., Smyly said he felt threatened by the trash grabber. He drew his Taser and later transitioned to his handgun, both weapons were pointed in a downward direction in front of the officer., The subject officer said that he did not believe that the Taser would be effective, because Mr. Atkinson was wearing a heavy coat, the summary states. 2701 Lawrence Street, Suite 100 The Boulder Police Department concluded an internal investigation on the March 1 incident when officers, two of them with guns drawn, confronted Zayd Atkinson.. Internal Affairs Investigation Case Number: IA2019-001. Lawrence, in a prepared statements. Boulder and Zayd Atkinson, a black Naropa student who was confronted by a police officer while picking up trash outside his apartment, have agreed to settle any civil claims involving the incident. "The officer's on a paid vacation right now; he's on a taxpayer paid vacation and he's at home being paid now for pointing a gun at a black man," Rathod told "GMA." 0:24 - Zayd A. This wasn't enough for Officer Smyly. That identification card, the same size as a driver's license or credit card, displayed Mr. Atkinson's name and photo. In this undated photo provided by lawyer Siddhartha Rathod, Zayd Atkinson poses for a photo. Copyright 2023 ABC News Internet Ventures. The Daily Camera reported that Lolotai left after his home address was posted publicly by activists. Lawrences arresting officer, Waylon Lolotai, left BPD in September 2020 amid an investigation into social media posts that glorified the use of force against residents, for which he was placed on administrative leave. 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. Atkinson repeats he's provided his identification but Smyly wants more proof. The Boulder Police Department says the rules that were violated were conduct and violation of police authority and public trust. and our 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. I'm blessed that I got out alive and unharmed," he said. <p>In this undated photo provided by lawyer Siddhartha Rathod, Zayd . Was there a perspective we missed, or facts we didnt consider? The body camera videos, the police reports . Based on the history of race relations and law enforcement in the United States, and the particular circumstances of the encounter, Mr. Atkinsons anger was justified. "I will not sit down, I refuse to sit down, until you guys put your (expletive) weapons away," Atkinson said. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. The training of the additional officers who arrived on scene contributed to the resolution of this incident without further escalation or injury. We hope this settlement will prompt introspection from City officials, whoselofty rhetoric around policing has lagged far behind the reality of Boulders pattern of abusivepolice conduct.. Those are the statistics that bear on the Zayd Atkinson drama, in which no shots were fired, no Taser was deployed, no pepper spray was used, no tickets were issued, and no arrest was made. It stated that he is a student at Naropa University. The City of Boulder concluded the investigation into a March 1, 2019 incident involving an encounter between Zayd Atkinson and Boulder Police officers. Email your thoughts to, established a new citizen oversight group. A Boulder police officer has resigned following a confrontation with a black college student who was picking up trash in his yard. "I continued to go back to work and pick up trash and clean up my grounds.". We offer these observations so that the city does not take action that inadvertently and irretrievably breaks a system that did not need fixing.. I didn't know what else to do besides, you know, to fight with my voice and to practice my rights, which were thoroughly being breached.". Atkinson said he's had trouble sleeping since the incident. 7On a seemingly normal morning in March of 2019, Zayd Atkinson was picking up trash outside of his . Cookie Notice Here, the PSU sergeant and command staff did not succumb to it.. Following the incident, the City of Boulder promptly took steps to address the communitys concerns, including publicly apologizing to Mr. Atkinson, and holding a community listening session. Atkinson was holding a bucket and a metal trash picker in front of his residence on March 1, when a Boulder police officer confronted him and asked him if he was permitted to be there. After other officers arrived Atkinson berated them for many minutes for their response to a non-situation. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); True life tales of a homeless man in Boulder, CO. The officers arrived and later left after they determined Atkinson had the right to be there. Smyly had told the department he contacted Atkinson because of recent crime in the area but did not see what race he was when he first saw him. Smyly drew his stun gun and then his handgun as he felt threatened by the trash grabber Atkinson was using. Mr. Atkinson was picking up trash on his property and had not committed a crime. In response, Mr. Atkinson handed Officer Smyly his student identification card. ", 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. He was charged with obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest. 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. If you use that weapon against me then yes, that is a consideration, Smyly responded. Fax: 303-578-4401. "Boulder is essentially saying we're going to pay this officer and let him resign for threatening Zayd's life, for racially profiling Zayd," said Atkinson's attorney, Siddhartha Rathod. Tunnel vision is a common affliction in internal investigations, especially when it conveniently allows police departments to avoid severe allegations like racism. . https://old.reddit.com/r/PublicFreakout/comments/cijav8/officer_pulling_out_his_gun_on_a_student_outside/. It was a frightening experience. Smyly also threatened to use his stun gun on Atkinson because he "had a weapon," referring to Atkinson's pole. The City of Boulder, CO and Zayd Atkinson, a black Naropa college student has agreed to settle any civil claims regarding an incident involving the Boulder Police Department. approval of past meeting minu, which historically does not receive discussion. The body camera videos, the police reports . While the report recommended Boulder not change its internal investigation process, it did strongly recommend the police department create an official staff position to support the Professional Standards Unit sergeant. Name Age in 2023 Role From Until; 1: Abdalla, Raja Aulia Rezza : Rep: 2015-01-29: 2015-02-03: 2: Abdullah, Hugh Idris : "I was not going to just fall in line again and just be a dog," Atkinson told CBS4 on Thursday. Printed By: RAABP1, 05/14/2019 12:19 Page 4 R_CS3NC REPORTING . SFC licensees. University of Colorado Boulder Officer Drew Matthews (image via department) Under the anonymity of the internet, a University of Colorado Boulder police officer trolled . Boulder is set to issue a $125,000 settlement payment to Zayd Atkinson, the black Naropa University student who was confronted by a now-former city police officer last year while picking up trash outside his school housing unit. 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. 2701 Lawrence Street, Suite 100 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 settlement has been reported to be a sum of $125,000. Smyly resigned after the investigation found him in violation of department policy, but the department did not find any evidence his interaction with Atkinson was a result of racial profiling. Click here to read this article in its entirety at www.bouldercolorado.com, Rathod | Mohamedbhai LLC The incident sparked outrage as video of the encounter made the rounds on social media. Hogwash! I'm freaking picking up trash on my property which is where I live. Why would you think that you could tase me? All Rights Reserved. "But I'm not surprised that this happened to me and I won't be surprised if it happens again tomorrow, or the next day, until we do something about it," he added. The city added that Smyly resigned . Mr. Atkinson and the City are settling any potential claims arising from this interaction so that the parties may focus on the continued healing of both the community and Mr. Atkinson. I was having very strange dreams and couldn't really sleep," Atkinson said. Will Denver voters elect a mayor who will stop enabling homelessness. James Harden surprises fan paralyzed in MSU shooting with FaceTime call and donation, 2 million air fryers recalled due to fire and burn hazards, Students speak out about bullying after fellow student dies by suicide, Digital Deals & Steals celebrating women-owned businesses, (MORE: Charlottesville schools closed over 'racially charged' online threat), (MORE: Colorado police under investigation after viral video shows them pulling guns on black man), (MORE: After blacks kicked off juries, Mississippi man claims racial bias at Supreme Court), (MORE: Man charged after screaming racial slurs, wielding gun on video). Looking back on the incident, Atkinson says that when he saw the officer get out the stun gun, he thought 'Oh my gosh, he's going to shoot me.". Or mail cash/check/precious gemstones toP.O. It is city policy that settlements involving payments exceeding $10,000 require Council approval. In a viral video, Atkinson was confronted by a police officer while he was picking up trash outside of his . If it were not for that cellphone footage, would there have been an internal investigation? Smyly updated dispatch that Mr. Atkinson was failing to comply and had a blunt metal object, referring to the trash grabber, in his hands, the report states. Meanwhile, Zayd said talk is cheap. Zayd Atkinson, a student at Naropa University in Boulder, . A Boulder police officer approached Atkinson on foot, asking him what he was doing . Smyly resigned under an agreement that allows him to collect $69,000 in salary. ), Want more stories like this, delivered straight to your inbox? Previous post: Report: Jessica Aldama died after stillborn delivery in homeless encampment, Next post: Guest opinion: The housing Boulder refused to build, Change made to existing documents, resolutions, or ordinances. The incident began on March 1 when Boulder Police officer John Smyly approached Zayd Atkinson as he cleaned up trash outside his townhouse complex. "Not only that you know I'm a black man, I have dreads. While he said he appreciates Boulder police releasing the numbers, he believes real change is still years away. Zayd Atkinson, an African American student at Naropa University, was picking up garbage on his own property when he was swarmed by gun-wielding police officers harassing and threatening him. The Moving can be an exciting experience. Atkinson was detained by Smyly for further investigation and he made a call for backup. Zayd Atkinson a university student of Naropa was held at gunpoint by 6-7 Caucasian Police Officers for simply picking up trash on his property. He found none. Prolonged litigation will adversely impact those efforts. April 5, 2019. Atkinson threatened to sue . All rights reserved. "There is a problem with law enforcement's interaction with minority communities.". Answer (1 of 9): "What probable cause did police have when they attempted to investigate Zayd Atkinson, a student at Naropa University, when he was picking up trash outside of his dorm?" I wonder, Dear Questioner, why you believe "probable cause" is the standard needed for a police officer to st. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Zayd Atkinson speaks before Boulder City Council on March 18, 2019, about how he was treated by the Boulder Police officers while picking up trash in his own yard. The encounter led to allegations of racial profiling and police misconduct. Zayd Atkinson was the subject of a viral video in which he was surrounded by 8 Boulder Police officers, some of them brandishing firearms, as he was picking up garbage outside of his home. Smyly asked Atkinson if he was permitted to be in the location. 2019 incident involving an encounter between Zayd Atkinson and Boulder Police officers. According to the police report, Smyly asked Atkinson . "I'm just checking to make sure that you have a right to be here, that's all. ", 2 teen girls arrested in SF scooter attack, police say, Doctor urges that heart health be a year-round priority, Eli Lilly cuts insulin prices up to 70% amid pressure to slash costs. 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 Sheriff's Office after complaints from the Boulder County NAACP chapter.. John Smyly was found in violation of department policies and resigned in May 2019 after an internal investigation into Smyly's encounter with Zayd . As the subject officer got closer, he could also see that Mr. Atkinson was picking items up off the ground with the long metal object [a trash grabber] and placing them into a white bucket that he was holding. Boulder settlement with Zayd Atkinson 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), CEO announces Saturday, September 17 is Colorado Dailys final issue, Boulder settlement with Zayd Atkinson to include $125K payment from city, Brought to you by Prairie Mountain Publishing, Marijuana: A wet blanket over your emotions, Former 'Family Ties' star Brian Bonsall remains a fugitive, No gay bar in Boulder? Those are the statistics that bear on the Zayd Atkinson drama, in which no shots were fired, no Taser was deployed, no pepper spray was used, no tickets were issued, and no arrest was made. Smyly resigned on Wednesday before the start of a planned administrative hearing into the matter. Although Zayd is a little-known and marginal figure in the standard account of the rise of Islam, he was originally a key figure in the Islamic foundation narrative, according to David S. Powers, professor of Near . But with the question about which specific unit he lived in, Mr. Atkinson paused, looked around, and began to become exasperated.. how many wives does mufti menk havemr patel neurosurgeon cardiff 27 februari, 2023 / i how old was stewart granger when he died / av / i how old was stewart granger when he died / av The officer eventually pulled out his gun and called for backup. "I was suffering with a lot of anxiety, a lot of depression. While no one was arrested, the police department launched an internal affairs investigation, and the city hired an outside investigator to review the incident.. Box 21315 Boulder, CO 80301. This news doesnt write itself. Following the March 1 episode with Naropa student Zayd Atkinson, also described in the complaint, Lolotai was caught on video again during the April 5 arrest of Sammie Lawrence, who tried to . The officer requested backup and followed him, ordering him to sit down. The first, in which Naropa student Zayd Atkinson was confronted by armed officers while picking up trash outside his home, drew national media attention and sparked local protests. "It was a frightening experience. Nonetheless, Boulder established a new citizen oversight group and hired a moderator to serve as a liaison between the panel and the police department in matters of complaints. 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. Boulder Police Department. We should know where he is and if he's allowed to work as a cop or in a field that requires public trust. Smyly contacted Atkinson March 1 outside Naropa student housing at 2333 Arapahoe Ave. as Atkinson was picking up trash with a long metal claw. 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 . 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 city settled with Atkinson in March 2020 for $125,000. Atkinson and the city are settling any potential claims arising from this interaction so that the parties may focus on the continued healing of both the community and Mr. Atkinson, the statement read. . Additionally, the proper protocol would have been for the officer to walk away after Mr. Atkinson produced his student identification card and explained what he was doing. Video and reports of the incident, during which Atkinson was repeatedly asked for identification showing he lived at the property he was cleaning, made local and national headlines and led to the city revamping public oversight of Boulder Police Department. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. 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 Moving can be an exciting experience. The process and its application in this particular case strongly indicate that internal affairs at BPD aint broke. The subject officer then activated his body camera and decided to self-initiate contact with Mr. Atkinson to determine what he was doing and if he lived or worked there. When asked about the resignation of Smyly, Atkinson said he's glad "he's being held accountable for something but it seems like it's just bare minimum things.". Resources for the homeless in Boulder, CO, Zayd Atkinson aspires to be a perpetual victim (Im not buying it). Lolotais departure was unrelated to that investigation or the many excessive force allegations that plagued him every since his time at the Denver Sheriffs Department. In the wake of the incident, Boulder City Council formed a committee to explore a police oversight committee. 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 city on Thursday announced the settlement but did not include the terms in a news release. Common affliction in internal investigations, especially when it conveniently allows police departments to severe... 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