He never gave me a chance.', Reno said he told Newton during the only conversation they had about the racial makeup of the police force was, I dont hire off race, I hire off qualifications.. I wasnt shocked because I knew I didnt do any of the stuff they accused me of doing, Newton said Wednesday. Video of alleged "assault" on former Tarrant Police chief, Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday after retired Chief Dennis Reno swore out a warrant, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. FL - Feb 09, 2023. Bryant wondered why Newton wasnt putting himself on leave given the fact that he fired Rickels for his charge. North Texas Interoperable Radio Network (NTIRN) Project 25 Phase II. Newton said the person was not related to him but was related to a council member. He cited a Facebook page called Whats Really Happening in the New Tarrant, as a source for much of the trouble. A veteran lawman has been chosen as the first Black police chief in Tarrant. Two different standards for two different people, he said. Asked how him being arrested for assault is different than the arrest of the former fire chief, Newton said, This is a misdemeanor. 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The city of Tarrant does not have a police chief or a fire chief at this time. There were no black officers, said Newton. Bryant said he isnt opposed to changes in the city, but believes Newton is going about things in an aggressive way. Westlake Fire operates on this system using Site 3 (Northeast Tarrant), Westlake contracts with the City of Keller for police and animal control services. The councilman went on to say longtime city employees were in a hostile situation under Newtons leadership, and accused the mayor of harassing multiple employees, including himself. George also shared department data with The Daily Beast that showed how, in 2019, Black drivers represented about 58 percent of those stopped by police, and about 55 percent of stopped drivers in 2020. The chief accused Newton, an attorney, of slamming a door on Reno, causing an injury to Renos shoulder. Deputy Chief David Carabajal Meanwhile, white drivers made up about 30 percent of stops in 2019, and 27 percent of stops in 2020, numbers that are a bit lower than their 34 percent share of the population. My thing is, I was elected to run the city. 2593 Commerce Circle. He said untrue things about him have been posted on the page, including that he tried to bribe officers to not arrest his cousin after a chase and crash. The city of Tarrant considers these actions absolutely irresponsible and reckless, Newton said in a statement announcing Rickelss termination. But its the people that hold office in Tarrant thats keeping him from moving forward., She called out the longest-serving councilman, Tommy Bryant, in particular. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Coming on the heels of a year of racial justice protests, literal dismantling of Confederate monuments, and calls for police reform, the bizarre, small-town, Deep South saga either reflects the rise of a ruthless politician one rival likened to Adolf Hitler, or the last gasp of a white power structure that wont let go. Tarrant Mayor-elect Wayman Newton was sworn in on Nov. 2, 2020 as the city's first Black mayor. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton was arrested June 16, 2021 on a misdemeanor assault charge against the city's former police chief. Newton was sworn in as the citys mayor in November 2020. Al Jones Appointed as New Arlington Police Chief - City of Arlington elected in 2020 as the citys first Black mayor, assault and other charges after he allegedly pulled a gun on an Atlanta realtor, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. The full press conference can be watched in the video player above. TARRANT, Ala. (WBRC) - Tarrant's Police Chief is reacting to Councilman Tommy Bryant's arrest after he said he witnessed Bryant punching Mayor Wayman Newton. Perry Tarrant | National Association of City Transportation Officials Lt. Phillip George of the Tarrant Police Department declined to comment about any alleged policy of not hiring Black officers, as well as the alleged targeting of Black drivers. 1133 East Lake Blvd | Tarrant, AL 35217 | 205-849-2800. a municode design. But according to AL.com, he told police last week that Newton slammed a door on his arm and injured him seriously enough that he now needs physical therapy. The alleged assault happened on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020 when the two got into a verbal dispute. Mayor Loxcil Tuck, 87, elected the citys first woman mayor in 2004, retired from politics. Im very, very excited.. Brian Steel, Rickels attorney, told AL.com the charges were baseless. All rights reserved (About Us). 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Then I realized that Im here for a reason, and that reason is that I represent all the people that wanted to change the city, but they werent able to change the city,' he said. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Business . Robin Davis, spokeswoman for. Mayor of Tarrant Says Former Police Chief Refused to Hire Black Watch video of the incident below: Newton also said that since he took office, he has faced push back from city officials in multiple departments, stating that many are resistant to the changes Newton campaigned on. But he said it has been plagued by a lack of investment, empty storefronts, and what he calls a lack of foresight. I dont mind changes, if theyre done like theyre supposed to be done. Tarrant, Alabama, has been gripped by a saga that some say reflects the rise of a ruthless politician and others see as the last gasp of a white power structure that wont let go. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. He was charged with third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor. For his part, Reno denied any pattern of discriminatory hiring. I take that job and responsibility very seriously. Phone: (817) 685-1500 The Euless Police Department provides law enforcement service for the community. Newton late Thursday night posted a series of videos on Facebook, including the one of the alleged assault and others that showed Reno carrying out various activities using his injured arm. Tarrant Arrests and Warrants | Alabama Jail Inmate Search City Manager Trey Yelverton has appointed Col. Al Jones, a 25-year veteran of the Baltimore County Police Department, as the City of Arlington's new police chief. Mayor Wayman Newton on Thursday confirmed Jefferson County Sheriff's Capt. Were in 2021 and its time for everybody to come together and work together to make this a great city., Hes going to make it. All rights reserved (About Us). I hope it dont offend you. Reno believes Newton is making the issue about something that its not. Reno claimed he was injured when Newton slammed a door on him. Im glad that we can finally put that behind me.. I dont mind changes, if theyre done like theyre supposed to be done. Neither Rickels nor Steel responded to a request for comment for this story. He said he went to the jail in Bessemer because he heard that the media was awaiting his arrival at the Birmingham Jail. Certainly, were glad to have him join us, Newton said. Whos the racist here? Newton, an attorney and Tarrants first Black mayor, is accused of slamming a door on Reno, causing an injury to Renos shoulder that may require surgery. Assistant Chief Perry Tarrant Sworn-In as NOBLE President For further clarity of these information, therefore, visit the website or call 817-276-4700 for more. During the meeting, Newton said, he confronted Renowho was still chief at the timeover what the mayor claimed was a longstanding practice of not hiring Black police officers in the city. According to charging documents, Bryant said the incident happened July 19, 2021, at Tarrant City Hall following a council meeting. The incident was caught on camera. Laura Horton, 73, who served on the city council for 20 years before losing her re-election bid in 2020, echoed Bryants assessment of Newton. ", Newton said he believes its a small number of former employees and former residents stirring up the controversy. He aint going to cuss me. Perry Tarrant Assistant Chief, Seattle Police Department Speaker, Designing Cities conference Assistant Chief Perry Tarrant commands the Special Operations Bureau of the Seattle Police Department. Bryant wondered why Newton wasnt putting himself on leave given the fact that he fired Rickels for his charge. I dont take sides between politicians.. Newton said the discord has continued. During the meeting, Newton said, he confronted Renowho was still chief at the timeover what the mayor claimed was a longstanding practice of not hiring Black police officers in the city. The mayor has not named replacements for Rickels or Reno. I do not represent the Mayor, Councilor Bryant or any other employee in its individual capacity, he said. Do you really think that I would say something like that at a public meeting?. Columbus Police chief Thomas Quinlan resigns, Mayor Ginther says Major replaces former Chief Dennis Reno, who left the position in November 2020 after a run-in with Newton. The Tarrant Police Department is located on Commerce Circle, and the Chief of Police is Dennis Reno. Newton said he feels he represents all of the people that want to change the city. He said four of those officers are Black, and that all were hired after Reno resigned from his position as chief of police on Jan. 1. He was released at 4:29 p.m. A call to the Tarrant City Hall and the Mayors Office went unanswered Wednesday afternoon. Sources say former Police Chief Dennis Reno pressed charges against the new mayor in connection to an incident between the two that happened after Newton was sworn into office. Fort Worth Assistant Police Chief Robert Alldredge told city council members there were . Copyright All rights reserved. He also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and consulted with the U.S. Department of State in training police forces in Afghanistan. When Tarrant returned to his car, Aziz threw the shotgun at it. Tarrant County /QuickLinks.aspx. In fact, I take those obstacles and I take their attempts to discredit me as motivation to keep going forward.. Jefferson County Sheriff's Capt. This is not true, and I fully expect to be exonerated, said Newton. Reno on Friday said Newton released only part of the video. The Ugly War Between a White Police Chief and a Black Mayor in the Deep Electric Department; Fire; Library; Municipal Court; Parks and Recreation; Police; Public Works; Business. The mayor in April fired Tarrant Fire Chief Jason Rickels, a month after Rickels was arrested in Georgia on assault and other charges after he allegedly pulled a gun on an Atlanta realtor and her photographer at a property he owns there. Wayman Antoninus Newton, 40, is charged with assault in the third degree. Newton turned himself into the Jefferson County Jail on Wednesday and was released a short time later after posting a $1,000 bond. He called himself the CEO of the city, and said Bryant and others have unfortunately been put off by the new structure hes installed. "All of us at SPD are extremely proud of Chief Perry Tarrant. He can look and see what it could be without the historical hindsight of what it was, he said. Chief Dennis Reno Newton said Reno told him that he didnt hire Black officers because Black officers dont like to police their own.. (Jefferson County Jail). He said he hopes to succeed in that endeavor. City of Memphis releases list of finalists for new police director Staff Login X Those figures are only slightly higher than the 53 percent of the population Black folks make up, according to recent census records. For example, he said, the firing of Rickels is something that he didnt need approval for. He accused Newton of failing to fill important vacant positions in the city, like the city clerk and the chief of police. I was trying to piss him off to see if hed come after me, Bryant said. She argued that it was clear from watching embarrassing city council meetings every week that he has some enemies. The city of Tarrant does not have a police chief or a fire chief at this time. Westlake. The Tarrant mayor said that at that time the city did not have a single black police officer. OPEN GOV US GOV US. 4 Beds. He accused Newton of failing to fill important vacant positions in the city, like the city clerk and the chief of police. Copyright All rights reserved. I was trying to piss him off to see if hed come after me, Bryant said. Asked why he went all the way to the Bessemer Cutoff to surrender, Newton said, It was evident that this is a political stunt, and it was made known to me that the media was at the Birmingham location.. Posted on Monday, November 23, 2020. He has been on workmans comp since the injury. Country: United States Address 1: 2593 Commerce Cir City: Tarrant State: Alabama Zip Code: 35217-2352 County: Jefferson County Phone #: 205-849-2811 Fax #: 205-849-2807. It is his goal to lead in an environment that fosters mutual respect and understanding, reflective of the professional standards expected from those he serves. Other videos, apparently from the next day, show him using the left arm he allegedly injured to carry files and climb out of his pickup truck. Lets get to the bottom of it and see who is lying.. Police | Tarrant, AL Police Call 911 in case of emergency. All rights reserved, Reward Offered as Montgomery County Deputies Hope to Find Woman, Selma Police Investigating Man's Apparent Murder, Montgomery Police Need Help in Homicide Investigation, Montgomery Firefighters Investigating Large Church Fire Near Downtown, Pedestrian Killed in Three-Car Crash in Troy. My grandmother always used to say, The more things change, the more they stay the same, and unfortunately were starting to see the ugly head of the old Tarrant reared itself., Newton said there were no Black officers on the force when he took office. This is not true, and I fully expect to be exonerated., Asked for a response to the mayors statement, Reno last year said, I only worked for him for two hours. Former Tarrant Police Chief responds to Mayor's claims of Deanna Taylor is one of those people. He said Reno told him he hadnt hired Black officers because they werent qualified, and couldnt be trusted to police their own. Newton held a press conference at Tarrant City Hall on Thursday to discuss the case. who left the position in November 2020 after a run-in with Newton, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. That is all that was said. We appreciate the community's help in keeping everyone safe. It is his goal to lead in an environment that fosters mutual respect and understanding, reflective of the professional standards expected from those he serves. I actually question the legitimacy of those numbers like I question the legitimacy of the hiring practices of the previous police chief, he added. Tarrant FD fires chief who was arrested in Georgia after - CBS 42 Mayor Newton is trying hard for the citizens of Tarrant, she said. Although the numbers dont tell a damning tale, Newton said, Tarrant historically has had a problem.. Texas police officer decertifications Locations: United States of America -> Texas Topics: Police Misconduct. Newton said the opposition reached its apex last week, when Dennis Reno, the white former chief of police in Tarrant, accused the mayor of assaulting him during a conversation in Newtons office a day after his swearing-in back in November. Christchurch mosque shootings - Wikipedia Theyve blocked him from making what he and some locals describe as needed changes to the police department in a city mostly comprised of Black and Latino residents, he said. Tarrant mayor releases videos after former police chief alleges assault The police that I referred to that Mr. Reno had in place was simple and to quote him exactly, I dont hire Black officers because Black officers dont like to police their own.. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. I take that job and responsibility very seriously. A Facebook page called Whats really happening in the new Tarrant is another issue Newton addressed during the press conference. We would have friends and family that wouldnt come to Tarrant because they were known for it, Taylor said. Bryant was arrested back on . We are committed to making our community a safe place to live, work, and visit. The white 25-year-old said she supports Newton because he has made an attempt to bring needed youth activities to the city, and has helped the police department make great strides. Tarrant County, Texas (TX) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency In an interview with The Daily Beast, Bryant pushed back against any problems with race that the city and police department may have faced in the past. He never gave me a chance.. In response to the alleged instance of misconduct that Bryant described, in which he said Newton challenged him to a fight, Newton said, Im a 40-year-old Black man with an Ivy League degree and I graduated from a top-10 law school. City Ordinances. Tarrant councilman Tommy Bryant jailed after Mayor Wayman Newton says You can watch Newtons full press conference and reaction from his supporters below. Although the numbers dont tell a damning tale, Newton said, Tarrant historically has had a problem.. Wendell Major has been selected, and approved by the City Council, to take over as the departments top cop. Newton, the citys first Black mayor who has often been at odds with the council, was arrested on the charges in 2021 and maintained his innocence in both cases. 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Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). When he was released, the young mayor posted security-camera videos on Facebook that appear to show Reno leaving the mayors office and calmly closing the door on his way out. For the second time in one week, city councilman Tommie Bryant was arrested.According to Tarrant's police chief, the latest arrest happened Thursday morning."He turned himself in at the county jail today on an outstanding warrant for theft of services," chief Wendell Major explained. (Jefferson County Jail), At a press conference held Thursday, Newton said Reno was was unwilling to stop the discriminatory practice of not hiring African American officers, which under my administration is unacceptable., There was a verbal disagreement about this between myself and Mr. Reno in my office on November 3, 2020 in which Mr. Reno is alleging that I slammed his arm in a door,' Newton said. According to jail records, Newton turned himself into the Jefferson County Jail at 4:09 p.m. Captain Wendell Major makes history as Tarrant's first Black police chief PA - Feb 06, 2023. Joel Kimbrough, who is white, has lived in Tarrant his whole life and owns a printing business there. Tarrant City Police Department, Alabama, Fallen Officers For example, he said, the firing of Rickels is something that he didnt need approval for. Police | Tarrant, AL And Mayor Newton is trying to correct the things that had been so bad about the city of Tarrant from the previous administrationlike not having Black officers.. Police Director Search - City of Memphis Tarrant's arrest. He returned to Birmingham to practice law, specializing in real estate. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton has released video of an incident that led to the former police chief filing a misdemeanor assault charge against the mayor. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton charged with assault of city's - al Tarrant City Councilman arrested twice in one week Reno swore out a warrant on Newton for third-degree assault, and the mayor surrendered to authorities on Wednesday and was released on bond. During his time as chief, Reno said he had a panel of three that recommend the hiring of officers, so he denies any claim that he had any discriminatory hiring practices. Tarrant mayor charged with assault: Former police chief refused to - al At a certain point, I had to remind him that I was the mayor and kicked him out of my office, he told The Daily Beast. For his part, Newton said most of the criticism by Bryant, Horton, and others who have opposed him is due to the fact that the city used to be run in a way that gave them more decision-making power than he believes they should haveand led to a cycle of stagnation. I wasnt even in the hiring process. Police | Benbrook, TX - Official Website Police Department Amy Marion Chief of Police (870) 845-3434 Pay Fines Police Department The Nashville Police Department is comprised of professional police officers who are eager to protect and serve our community. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Tarrant, AL Home Page | Tarrant, AL TARRANT The mayor of Tarrant was arrested on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. He jumped up from that desk and he said, I want it by f****** Friday!. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The former chief said thats what started the verbal altercation. That has done a tremendous amount of damage to the city, because no one has had their eye on the future.. Tarrant City Jail Inmate Search and Prison Information - McGehee, Arkansas Jones, who currently serves as the chief of Baltimore County Police Department's Community Relations Bureau, was selected through a robust . He said it all started during a conversation about hiring practices at the police department. Unfortunately, if you look at the city, and if you look at the people who are actually engaged in our politics, the people who make it a point to come and volunteer for our Farmers Market, people who make it a point to volunteer for other.at our rec center, they dont support those individuals. The charge carries a bond of $1,000. Tarrant, AL 35217. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. But he told The Daily Beast that the police department employs 18 officers. (Facebook). We have people kicking against change and we need change,' she said. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton has been found not guilty on charges of misdemeanor assault on the former police chief. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Freddie Rubio, the city attorney of Tarrant, declined to comment on any formal complaints of harassment against Mayor Newton, and did not respond to a subsequent request for comment about whether procedures had been followed in firing employees. He said four of those officers are Black, and that all were hired after Reno resigned from his position as chief of police on Jan. 1.