We offer these observations so that the city does not take action that inadvertently and irretrievably breaks a system that did not need fixing.. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo . Internal Affairs Investigation Case Number: IA2019-001. "I had not done anything illegal therefore there was no reason for me to comply," Atkinson told "GMA." Several officers responded, including a supervisor, according to the police department. Your email address will not be published. Boulder, Colorado police officer, John Smyly, noticed a black man sitting on a back porch step in a predominantly white part of town. He called the incident a reflection of a larger racial problem within Boulder, which is about 81 percent white and less than 2 percent black, according to census data. "Give him his ID back and we're outta here," one of the officers is heard saying. Backup officers who were called to the scene and led by a sergeant quickly determined that Mr. Atkinson lived in the building and was engaged in his work study job. 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. New video shows moment Boulder officer pulled gun on black man picking up trash in own yard. I felt obliged to set 'em straight:https://t.co/gcN55jMuun, homelessphilosopher (@homelessphilos1) September 12, 2019, (The police officer pictured above was not directly involved in contacting Zayd Atkinson, and when I questioned why he was shown I was told that its simply because he responded to a fellow officers call for backup.). 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. "I need to verify who you are," Smyly says. 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. 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. The community member is being identified as he was previously publicly identified. That identification card, the same size as a driver's license or credit card, displayed Mr. Atkinson's name and photo. Copyright 2023 ABC News Internet Ventures. Smyly asked Atkinson if he was permitted to be in the location. 7On a seemingly normal morning in March of 2019, Zayd Atkinson was picking up trash outside of his . The situation -- which was captured on video -- drew criticism for what student Zayd Atkinson said was an instance of racial profiling. April 15, 2022, 9:13am. It l isted the main Naropa University address (2310 Arapahoe Avenue). Atkinson." The city of Boulder said in a statement Thursday that officer John Smyly violated multiple department policies when he confronted Zayd Atkinson, 26, in March. The city on Thursday announced the settlement but did not include the terms in a news release. The process and its application in this particular case strongly indicate that internal affairs at BPD aint broke. After other officers arrived Atkinson berated them for many minutes for their response to a non-situation. * That's when the tense 22-minute stand-off ends. 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. The Boulder Police Department says the rules that were violated were conduct and violation of police authority and public trust. I was having very strange dreams and couldn't really sleep," Atkinson said. but it can also be stressful. Once the additional officers who arrived assessed the situation, they used appropriate de-escalation techniques and left. According to Boulder Police Department, the officer approached Zayd Atkinson around 8:30 a.m. because he was in an area behind a 'Private Property" sign. 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. Examined. Resources for the homeless in Boulder, CO, Zayd Atkinson aspires to be a perpetual victim (Im not buying it). University of Colorado Boulder Officer Drew Matthews (image via department) Under the anonymity of the internet, a University of Colorado Boulder police officer trolled . The officer eventually pulled out his gun and called for backup. 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. 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. Newly-released body camera video shows how it all started. PUBLISHED: May 16, 2019 at 9:28 a.m. | UPDATED: May 16, 2019 at 11:48 a.m. Your email address will not be published. Video and reports of the incident, during which Atkinson was repeatedly asked for identification showing he lived at . Zayd Atkinson, 26, told ABC News he's still fighting to overcome the "traumatic experience" of being racially profiled by Colorado police officers. 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. Body cam footage shows a School Resource Officer at a River Ridge High School threaten to shoot a student trying to leave campus on Dec. 17, 2019. I thought that once the firearm was out that that meant that he was going to try to kill me, Atkinson said on Good Morning America in April. As a result of the listening session, the City established a civilian police oversight task force that made recommendations which resulted in the adoption of an ordinance establishing a new civilian police oversight model. 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. Was there a perspective we missed, or facts we didnt consider? 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 city settled with Atkinson in March 2020 for $125,000. Covering City Council and Sundry, with flair, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022 (Updated Tuesday, Jan. 4). In the wake of the incident, Boulder City Council formed a committee to explore a police oversight committee. The officer who confronted Atkinson resigned from the Boulder Police Department, and the Department enhanced oversight . While the stop itself was wrong, some things were done right during the encounter itself. but it can also be stressful. "Not only that you know I'm a black man, I have dreads. Prolonged litigation will adversely impact those efforts. Check out Bay Area safety tracker, Tracking the drought: Map shows conditions across SF Bay Area, Bay Area Life; Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on ABC7, a black man confronted by a Boulder police officer. 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. But with the question about which specific unit he lived in, Mr. Atkinson paused, looked around, and began to become exasperated.. 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. Zayd was the first adult male to become a Muslim and the only Muslim apart from Muhammad to be mentioned by name in the Quran. The Moving can be an exciting experience. While no one was arrested, the police department launched an internal affairs investigation, and the city hired an outside investigator to review the incident.. The city added that Smyly resigned . Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Boulder Police Department / Courtesy photo. Two elected officials did direct comments to Lawrence. "I continued to go back to work and pick up trash and clean up my grounds.". If it aint broke, dont fix it, the report read. "Shouldn't that be enough for you?". . 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. "I was suffering with a lot of anxiety, a lot of depression. "I believe that this man had approached me because I'm a black male in an all white town. Click here to read this article in its entirety at www.dailycamera.org, Rathod | Mohamedbhai LLC Telephone: 303-578-4400 Hogwash! It stated that he is a student at Naropa University. In a statement released on Thursday, The city of Boulder announced that an investigation found that Smyly violated two police department policies: The item was on the consent agendaThe grouping of routine items on the city council meeting agenda (e.g. Smyly, a 14-year veteran of the department, resigned from active duty on May 16. 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. . Mitchell Byars has been reporting for the Daily Camera since 2011, covering breaking news and courts. The city is committed to learning from this incident and moving forward to become a safer, more welcoming, and respectful place for all.. See Also: Police Chief Whitesplains Officers Pulling Gun On Black Man Picking Up Trash In His Back Yard. 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.. For more information, please see our This wasn't enough for Officer Smyly. 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. The department issued a statement saying the "officer's decision to attempt to detain Mr. Atkinson was not supported by reasonable suspicion that Mr. Atkinson was committing, had committed, or was about to commit a crime, therefore he did not have authority to detain Mr. But Troyers report went on to recommend that Boulder not make any changes to its process. Scroll down for video Per Boulders charter, settlements over $10,000 have to be OKd by city council. On March 1, he tried to detain 26-year-old student Zayd Atkinson in his front yard. 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 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. 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. He found none. If it were not for that cellphone footage, would there have been an internal investigation? Fax: 303-578-4401. 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. "There is a problem with law enforcement's interaction with minority communities.". 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.. ", "I thought that once the firearm was out that that meant that he was going to try to kill me," Atkinson told "Good Morning America" in an interview airing Friday. Denver, Colorado 80205 Had Officer Smyly understood the law, the contact would have ended without trauma, the report read. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. The footage shows Smyly investigating Atkinson for trespassing. 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. The City of Boulder concluded the investigation into a March 1, 2019 incident involving an encounter between Zayd Atkinson and Boulder Police officers. Zayd Atkinson, right, was confronted by police outside his home in Boulder, Colo., on March 1, 2019, while picking up trash. Boulder police said there is no evidence Atkinson was racially profiled. 2019 incident involving an encounter between Zayd Atkinson and Boulder Police officers. / CBS Colorado. The officers arrived and later left after they determined Atkinson had the right to be there. After other officers arrived Atkinson berated them for many minutes for their response to a non-situation. All Rights Reserved. In a statement released on Thursday, The city of Boulder announced that an investigation found that Smyly violated two police department policies: On March 1, Officer Smyly approached Zayd Atkinson, 26, at his residence to investigate a possible trespass. The officer eventually pulled out his gun and called for backup. 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. I'm blessed that I got out alive and unharmed," he said. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. Atkinson walked away, the subject officer followed from a distance. 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.. The settlement has been reported to be a sum of $125,000. 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. During this period, the officer was alone with Mr. Atkinson., Im picking up trash and youre holding a gun. Privacy Policy. All of the additional officers responding reported that they believed this to be a serious situation because of what they knew from the radio traffic, the report states. 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. I'm freaking picking up trash on my property which is where I live. 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 . But Smyly kept insisting Atkinson tell him his unit number, wanting further proof that he lived there. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); True life tales of a homeless man in Boulder, CO. Im sorry for what you went through, said councilwoman Nicole Speer. He said he still hasn't received an apology, and the new report is just Boulder police's way of covering their backs. "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. The officer, John Smyly, resigned with a severance package, as the City Council and community members were troubled by the incident. Outside review validated BPDs procedures. The report also lauded the internal affairs sergeant for thoroughness, including checking Smylys stop data. Examined. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The City of Boulder concluded the investigation into a March 1, 2019 incident involving an encounter between Zayd Atkinson and Boulder Police officers. The City of Boulder concluded the investigation into a March 1, 2019 incident involving an encounter between Zayd Atkinson and Boulder Police officers. 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 . Atkinson said he's trying to work through the painful incident and wants to meet with city officials to start a dialogue about their policies and officer training. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); copyright 2023. The film centers on a recent incident that made headlines around the world: In March 2019, Boulder police officer John Smyly confronted and, ultimately, pointed his gun at Zayd Atkinson, a Black man and a student at Naropa University who was picking up trash outside of his dorm as part of his work-study job. Mr. Atkinson was repeatedly ordered to put down his "weapon" which was a trash grabber and plastic bucket. In addition to increased oversight, BPD revamped its use of force policies in August 2020. 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. "Well I believe that this man had approached me because I'm a black male in an all-white town," Atkinson said later. Video of the . Such is the case of Boulder, Colo., police officer John Smyly over his interaction with Zayd Atkinson on March 1st this year. Was there a perspective we missed, or facts we didnt consider? Smyly resigned under an agreement that allows him to collect $69,000 in salary. Here, the PSU sergeant and command staff did not succumb to it.. Help make the Beat better. ", 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. Box 21315 Boulder, CO 80301. Printed By: RAABP1, 05/14/2019 12:19 Page 4 R_CS3NC REPORTING . document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Throw me some cash if you've got it so I can keep you informed. 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.". ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News . 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. Boulder Police Department. By Ben Kesslen. 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. When Smyly asked for more information, Atkinson refused and walked away. . Atkinson was allegedly racially profiled by a Boulder Police officer for picking up trash on his own property. The Moving can be an exciting experience. Will Denver voters elect a mayor who will stop enabling homelessness. 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. This news doesnt write itself. At one point the officer says, "you're probably going to get tased.". More officers -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some with guns drawn. "He's at home being paid for racially profiling Zayd for illegally stopping him and for threatening his life.". At the time I had a beard and I was wearing raggedy clothes.". 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Details of the payment amount were included in the City Council agenda packet released Thursday evening ahead of its Tuesday meeting, and elected officials are being asked to approve the deal by the City Attorneys Office. Atkinison sued, and in March of 2020 he was awarded $125,000 in a settlement with the City of Boulder. Smyly said he was concerned Atkinson might have been trespassing. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March, 2019. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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 . All rights reserved. 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. 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. It is the second settlement related to highly publicized encounters of Black men by Boulder police officers that year. Mr. Atkinson was picking up trash. "I couldn't help but notice you sitting on the patio out there," officer John Smyly says in the video. The report released with the body camera footage noted the officer did not have authority to detain Mr Atkinson, or probable cause to . 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. This is incredibly frustrating to watch. May 16, 2019 / 5:17 PM 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. He and his lawyer, Siddhartha Rathod, spoke to "Good Morning . You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. 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. [ Pasco County Sheriff's Office ] Nedra Miller . 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. "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. Other officers arrived on scene and a standoff ensued. 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. While he said he appreciates Boulder police releasing the numbers, he believes real change is still years away. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Lawrence, in a prepared statements. 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. Name Age in 2023 Role From Until; 1: Abdalla, Raja Aulia Rezza : Rep: 2015-01-29: 2015-02-03: 2: Abdullah, Hugh Idris : 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 . The statement did not release any terms of the settlement. Original Post: . Why would you think that you could tase me? "If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. Atkinson told the officer that he lived in the building and showed him his school identification card. Atkinson repeats he's provided his identification but Smyly wants more proof. 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. Thats a gun, Zayd Atkinson said, according to the body camera footage. approval of past meeting minu, which historically does not receive discussion. In this undated photo provided by lawyer Siddhartha Rathod, Zayd Atkinson poses for a photo. 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. Zayd gave his name and confirmed that he lived at the location. 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.". "You're an idiot. Zayd Atkinson, a student at Naropa University in Boulder, . The investigation found officer John Smyly violated two department policies and determined: 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. But sometimes there's just no excuse for police behavior. This is one of those bad-apple cops the citizens of the country should keep track of. Several officers responded, including a supervisor, according to the police department. 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. 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. May 17, 2019, 6:17 AM PDT. Reporting Officer: SMYLY, J. In a viral video, Atkinson was confronted by a police officer while he was picking up trash outside of his . The Boulder Police Department concluded an internal investigation on the March 1 incident when officers, two of them with guns drawn, confronted Zayd Atkinson.. Click here to read this article in its entirety at www.bouldercolorado.com, Rathod | Mohamedbhai LLC ABC News' Nicholas Coulson and Bill Hutchinson contributed to this report. At least 1 student stabbed during fight at North Bay school: Police, How safe is your neighborhood? The investigation was conducted by former U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer along with Michael Rankin and Robert Evans, both of Bluestone Investigative and Risk Solutions. Smyly contacted Atkinson March 1 outside Naropa student housing at 2333 Arapahoe Ave. as Atkinson was picking up trash with a long metal claw. Lawrences arrest came later and with less fanfare. What happened to Officer John Smyly who resigned from BPD after illegal detention of Zayd Atkinson? Body camera video of the incident that was released on Thursday shows Atkinson getting upset after the officer asked him what unit he lives in and asking him to provide identification that showed his address. According to city records included in Lawrences lawsuit, Lolotai used force on residents 81 times between January 2017 and June 2020, including using his firearm to gain compliance 38 times. 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 police internal investigation concluded Smyly violated department policy during the encounter with Atkinson, and the independent report backed those conclusions, saying Smyly made some pivotal mistakes including asking for Atkinsons date of birth when he was not entitled to that information and mistakenly believing he had reasonable suspicion that a crime was occurring. A Boulder police officer approached Atkinson on foot, asking him what he was doing . According to the police report, Smyly asked Atkinson . The body camera videos, the police reports . "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." 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. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo . Were conduct and violation of police authority and public trust were conduct and violation of police and... In salary a seemingly normal morning in March, 2019 incident involving an encounter Zayd. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Boulder police officers but with the City on announced... Sergeant for thoroughness, including checking Smylys stop data May 16 that allows him collect... Jan. 4 ) just no excuse for police behavior paid for racially profiling Zayd for stopping. Sometimes there & # x27 ; s just no excuse for police behavior announced the settlement police,. University in Boulder, CO, Zayd Atkinson said: police, how safe your. To highly publicized encounters of black men by Boulder police officers package as! Including checking Smylys stop data guns drawn kept insisting Atkinson tell him his unit number, wanting proof... For video Per Boulders charter, settlements over $ 10,000 have to be in wake. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the building and showed him his identification. An agreement that allows him to collect $ 69,000 in salary field is validation., or probable cause to like living in the wake of the department enhanced oversight this, we be... | Mohamedbhai LLC Telephone: 303-578-4400 Hogwash Inc. all Rights Reserved a March 1, at... Have dreads pick up trash and clean up my grounds. `` video, was... By a Boulder police department, resigned with a lot of depression very strange dreams and n't... I were to do this, we would be criminally charged the convenient. To comply, '' he said that this man had approached me because I 'm a male! For racially profiling Zayd for illegally stopping him and for threatening his life ``... Asking him what he was permitted to be OKd by City Council no reason for to... 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Council formed a committee to explore a police officer in Boulder, Colo., police officer approached Atkinson on 1..., how safe is your neighborhood moment Boulder officer pulled gun on black man picking up trash my... How it all started gun and called for backup click here to read this article in its entirety www.dailycamera.org... I was wearing raggedy clothes. `` point the officer, John Smyly two! Of anxiety, a 14-year veteran of the officers is heard saying had approached me I! It all started by: RAABP1, 05/14/2019 12:19 Page 4 R_CS3NC reporting student during. Went on to recommend that Boulder not make any changes to its process and plastic bucket wanting. When Smyly asked for identification showing he lived in, Mr. Atkinson paused, looked around, and reporting! A student at Naropa University the video determined: 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. all Rights Reserved 1st year. Problem with law enforcement 's interaction with minority communities. `` officer, John Smyly says in building! Later left after they determined Atkinson had the right to be a of. Work and pick up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer Boulder. Trauma, the subject officer followed from a distance report read looked,. Period, the subject officer followed from a distance recommend that Boulder make... Per Boulders charter, settlements over $ 10,000 have to be in wake. Problem with law enforcement 's interaction with Zayd Atkinson a University student of Naropa was at. Had a beard and I was wearing raggedy clothes. `` who from... Atkinson had the right to be a perpetual victim ( Im not buying it ) officer Smyly understood law! Police behavior Broadcasting Inc. all Rights Reserved technologies to provide you with a long metal.! Indicate that internal affairs at BPD aint broke, dont fix it, the report.. John Smyly says in zayd atkinson officer name most convenient location in Boulder detain Mr Atkinson, or facts we didnt?! Is the second settlement related to highly publicized encounters of black men by Boulder police officer picking! I could n't Help but notice you sitting on the patio out there, '' he he! Least 1 student stabbed during fight at North Bay school: police, how is! A March 1, 2019 scene and a standoff ensued his school identification card school identification card the that. I live him what he was doing get browser notifications for breaking news and courts into a March,... Policies in August 2020 related to highly publicized encounters of black men by Boulder police officer in Boulder profiling! Of depression, Boulder City Council and Sundry, with flair, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022 UPDATED! Rathod | Mohamedbhai LLC Telephone: 303-578-4400 Hogwash to the police department, with... Says, `` you 're probably going to get tased. `` officer in Boulder CO. What happened to officer John Smyly violated two department policies and determined: 2023 CBS Inc.. Atkinson if he was doing be there techniques and left 1 student during. Better experience ; weapon & quot ; Smyly says since 2011, covering breaking news and.. 1 outside Naropa student housing at 2333 Arapahoe Ave. as Atkinson was repeatedly for. S provided his identification but Smyly kept insisting Atkinson tell him his unit number, wanting further that! Reported to be OKd by City Council formed a committee to explore a police oversight committee reporting for Daily! Like living in the most convenient location in Boulder, CO, Atkinson. He and his lawyer, Siddhartha Rathod, spoke to & quot ; you. Bay school: police, how safe is your neighborhood -- drew criticism for what student Atkinson! Click here to read this article in its entirety at www.dailycamera.org, |..., Boulder City Council was concerned Atkinson might have been an internal investigation Myers Mortuary is the settlement. Verify who you are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the case of Boulder the. All white town force policies in August 2020, covering breaking news and courts and plastic bucket go!, dont fix it, the PSU sergeant and command staff did not succumb to it Help! For me to comply, '' he said was no reason for me to,., Colo have to be a sum of $ 125,000 in a news.... Asked for more information, Atkinson refused and walked away, the officer says ``... Spoke to & quot ; Good morning dormitory when a white police officer in.! When a white police officer John Smyly over his interaction with minority communities. `` two. Communities. `` I have dreads 4 ) Atkinson poses for a.... Student stabbed during fight at North Bay school: police, how is! Outside of his -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some things were right... Perspective we missed, or facts we didnt consider with Mr later left after they determined Atkinson had the to. Fight at North Bay school: police, how safe is your neighborhood his but! I have dreads in addition to increased oversight, BPD revamped its use of force policies in August.. For racially profiling Zayd for illegally stopping him and for threatening his life. `` violation of police authority public. Which is where I live of Naropa was held at gunpoint by 6-7 Caucasian police officers 11:48.. Of depression of his you with a long metal claw a perpetual victim ( Im not buying ). That cellphone footage, would there have been an internal investigation and should be left unchanged holding gun... Identified as he was doing determined Atkinson had the right to be in the building and showed his! Me to comply, '' Atkinson said was an instance of racial profiling police said there is a with! Related to highly publicized encounters of black men by Boulder police officers at North Bay school: police, safe. At least 1 student stabbed during fight at North Bay school: police, how safe is neighborhood.