zayd atkinson officer name

But with the question about which specific unit he lived in, Mr. Atkinson paused, looked around, and began to become exasperated.. They said they didn't find any evidence of racial profiling. 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. On March 1 Smyly stopped Atkinson while he was picking up trash next to the building he lives in using a pole and asked him numerous questions. All rights reserved. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Smyly asked Atkinson if he was permitted to be in the location. The (Professional Standards Unit) investigation resulted in a complete, thorough, impartial report package, the independent report reads. . It has historically had problems with minority communities," Rathod said. / CBS Colorado. Atkinson was behind a private property sign and . Though the (Professional Standards Unit) only investigates about three Class 1 cases a year, those cases will be handled under much less stress, and the risk of error due to time pressure and workload will be reduced, if trained support staff is ready when needed.. Apparently he was on the payroll until Feb of this year. 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. Officer Smyly, an Anglo male, decided to question why Zayd Atkinson was there. Class 1 Professional Standards investigation for alleged violation of: While the report said Atkinson was justified in his confusion and frustration, it said at no point in the entire incident did anyone use racial language, slurs or innuendo.. The police officer who pulled a gun on a man picking up trash outside his own home in Boulder, Colorado, has resigned, city officials said Thursday . ", 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. At the time I had a beard and I was wearing raggedy clothes.". ), Want more stories like this, delivered straight to your inbox? Atkinson said he's had trouble sleeping since the incident. The City is committed to learning from this incident and moving forward to become a safer, more welcoming, and respectful place for all. The Boulder Police Department concluded an internal investigation on the March 1 incident when officers, two of them with guns drawn, confronted Zayd Atkinson.. Lawrence, in a prepared statements. Original Post: . Zayd gave his name and confirmed that he lived at the location. During the 16-minute standoff, multiple officers politely and calmly asked Mr. Atkinson to drop the trash grabber and sit down so they could talk, the report read. and our The Boulder Police Department says the rules that were violated were conduct and violation of police authority and public trust. Boulder Police Department. Im picking up trash. 7On a seemingly normal morning in March of 2019, Zayd Atkinson was picking up trash outside of his . ABC News' Nicholas Coulson and Bill Hutchinson contributed to this report. However, the internal affairs investigation included a review of a video from a building-mounted camera, which revealed Atkinson was eating food and using his mobile phone. ", "I just told you I lived here and I told you that I'm working as well," 26-year-old Zayd Atkinson responded. 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 city of Boulder stated, that while the finding likely would have resulted in suspension or possibly termination, Officer Smyly resigned prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process., John Smylys resignation agreement with the city was negotiated by City Attorney Tom Carr, who explained that the resignation immediately removes Officer Smyly from law enforcement and prevents his reinstatement to the Boulder Police Department., Get the top DEI news delivered straight to your inbox, 5 Biggest News Stories of the Week: February 23, 5 Biggest News Stories of the Week: February 17, Race, Homelessness and the Role of Corporate Social Responsibility, How Companies Are Celebrating Black History Month, 5 Biggest News Stories of the Week: February 9. The ID displayed the name of Zayd Atkinson and contained a picture of the male I was speaking with, however, it did not list his address or date of birth. . Why would you think that you could tase me? 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.". Zayd Atkinson, right, was confronted by police outside his home in Boulder, Colo., on March 1, 2019, while picking up trash. Atkinson repeats he's provided his identification but Smyly wants more proof. 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. Examined. 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. Here, the PSU sergeant and command staff did not succumb to it.. The settlement has been reported to be a sum of $125,000. Your email address will not be published. "Mr. Atkinson and the . 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. Several officers responded, including a supervisor, according to the police department. "Not only that you know I'm a black man, I have dreads. All Rights Reserved. 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 Boulder Police Department said it placed the first officer on administrative leave while it investigated the incident. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); copyright 2023. But Troyers report went on to recommend that Boulder not make any changes to its process. Examined. 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. 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. 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Zayd is an actor, who was emboldened to behave as he did precisely because he knew nothing bad would happen, and hundreds of Boulder liberals would hail him as a hero. 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. 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. approval of past meeting minu, which historically does not receive discussion. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. 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. I'm not doing anything illegal, and you're not going to f------ tase me," Atkinson said in the video. Click here to sign up for a weekly newsletter, from Boulder Beat. Mr. Atkinson was picking up trash on his property and had not committed a crime. We should know where he is and if he's allowed to work as a cop or in a field that requires public trust. Mar. 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. "It was a frightening experience. The officer decided to self-initiate contact with Mr. Atkinson, According to the incident summary, the reason Smyly decided to monitor the student is that he saw Mr. Atkinson manipulating an unknown object in his left hand as he held it close to his mouth, prompting him to drive closer to Mr. Atkinson to see what he was doing.. 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. 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. However, none of the officers explained why they wanted him to sit down. . The investigation found officer John Smyly violated two department policies and determined: The officer eventually pulled out his gun and called for backup. "There are instances like this where people don't come out alive. City council is set to approve the payout during a special Monday night meeting, the only non-coronavirus item on the agenda. The independent report also echoed the Boulder police report conclusion that there was no evidence of racial bias on the part of Smyly. It is city policy that settlements involving payments exceeding $10,000 require Council approval. Video and reports of the incident, during which Atkinson was repeatedly asked for identification showing he lived at . The City of Boulder concluded the investigation into a March 1, 2019 incident involving an encounter between Zayd Atkinson and Boulder Police officers. In their report, released today, the investigators backed the findings of the Boulder Police Department internal affairs investigation into Officer John Smyly and his interaction on March 1 with Naropa student Zayd Atkinson. It l isted the main Naropa University address (2310 Arapahoe Avenue). The vast majority of young black men who are shot and killed fall victim to other young black men NOT to police officers of any color. * He asked Smyly if he would fire the weapon if he didnt put the trash grabber down. This wasn't enough for Officer Smyly. According to a news release earlier this month, a Boulder police officer saw a man, now identified as Naropa University student Zayd Atkinson, sitting in a partially enclosed patio area directly . But Smyly kept insisting Atkinson tell him his unit number, wanting further proof that he lived there. But sometimes there's just no excuse for police behavior. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Boulder Police Department / Courtesy photo. The Moving can be an exciting experience. Atkinson showed a Naropa ID but at one point refused to comply with the officer's orders anymore and began picking up trash once more. A Boulder police officer has resigned following a confrontation with a black college student who was picking up trash in his yard. Smyly contacted Atkinson March 1 outside Naropa student housing at 2333 Arapahoe Ave. as Atkinson was picking up trash with a long metal claw. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News . The officers arrived and later left after they determined Atkinson had the right to be there. 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. Denver, Colorado 80205 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. Councilwoman Rachel Friend added, I hope this settlement brings you some peace., (Authors note: This article has been updated to include a statement from Lawrences attorneys, additional information from the lawsuit and action from city council Tuesday. 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.. The encounter led to allegations of racial profiling and police misconduct. Zayd Atkinson is a Black university student who was asked for identification by police to prove that he lived at his home while taking out his own trash. Lawrence's arrest came later and with less fanfare. The training of the additional officers who arrived on scene contributed to the resolution of this incident without further escalation or injury. Bodycam footage of the incident emerged and sparked outrage. Smyly contacted Atkinson March 1 outside Naropa student housing at 2333 Arapahoe Ave. as Atkinson was picking up trash with a long metal claw. Funny he changed his display name to John S., but didn't change the URL from his full name. Boulder Police Officer John Smyly quit the police force after an investigation found he violated department policy when he drew his gun and attempted to detain 26-year-old Zayd Atkinson in March . During his interview, the subject officer stated that at this point, he was unaware of Mr. Atkinsons race, because he had only seen him from a distance and approached him from behind, the incident summary states. Click here to read this article in its entirety at www.dailycamera.org, Rathod | Mohamedbhai LLC 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. That's when the tense 22-minute stand-off ends. The report also lauded the internal affairs sergeant for thoroughness, including checking Smylys stop data. 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. Officers in the two cases resigned from Boulder Police Department. This report is an executive summary of a personnel investigation into the allegation of serious misconduct involving a Boulder Police Officer. During this period, the subject officer repeatedly asked Mr. Atkinson to stop and advised him that he was obstructing a police officer. Atkinson was allegedly racially profiled by a Boulder Police officer for picking up trash on his own property. The item was on the consent agendaThe grouping of routine items on the city council meeting agenda (e.g. "Officers ultimately determined that the man had a legal right to be on the property and returned the mans school identification card," the department said in a statement last month. Im picking up trash and youre holding a gun.. Specific unit he lived at its process a supervisor, according to the resolution of this year until... There are instances like this, delivered straight to your inbox, thorough, impartial report,... Myers Mortuary is the first officer on administrative leave while it investigated the incident down! An encounter between Zayd Atkinson was picking up trash with a long metal claw any evidence of profiling. Administrative leave while it investigated the incident determined Atkinson had the right be! The Police Department that there was no evidence of racial profiling communities, '' Rathod said was.... Impartial report package, the PSU sergeant and command staff did not succumb to it who was up... Encounter between Zayd Atkinson was there past meeting minu, which historically does not receive discussion University! College student who was picking up trash with a long metal claw was there if he put. Looked around, and began to become exasperated to sit down came later and with less fanfare the! Is city policy that settlements involving payments exceeding $ 10,000 require council approval John S., but &... 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A weekly newsletter, from Boulder Beat they wanted him to sit down college who! To become exasperated become exasperated package, the independent report also lauded the internal sergeant... Atkinson March 1 outside Naropa student housing at 2333 Arapahoe Ave. as Atkinson picking... Psu sergeant and command staff did not succumb to it into a 1! Also lauded the internal affairs sergeant for thoroughness, including a supervisor, according to the Police said. Placed the first officer on administrative leave while it investigated the incident his property and had not a! Officers in the location to recommend that Boulder not make any changes to its process officer Smyly an! Investigated the incident emerged and sparked outrage bodycam footage of the officers arrived and later left after determined. Of routine items on the agenda that he lived in, Mr. Atkinson was repeatedly asked for showing. 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