1133 East Lake Blvd | Tarrant, AL 35217 | 205-849-2800. a municode design. I only worked for him for two hours. The Tarrant mayor claimed that Dennis Reno, the former Tarrant Police Chief, wouldnt hire black police officers and that disagreement led to the November altercation. 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). George confirmed that changes to the department made it so that one officer would be in charge of the internal affairs department, rather than a previous system that would tap an available detective or lieutenant to handle complaints. Citations. 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. Robin Davis, spokeswoman for. TARRANT The mayor of Tarrant was arrested on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. My election kind of represented a transition from the old guard to the new, Newton told The Daily Beast. 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.. Tarrant city councilman Tommy Bryant previously came under fire for calling the same mayor he is accused of attacking a "house n----r" during a council meeting. Newton has not yet named replacements for Reno or Rickels. He said too many longtime residents of the city long for a version back in the 60s and 70s, when it was a different place. He accused Newton of failing to fill important vacant positions in the city, like the city clerk and the chief of police. 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. He jumped up from that desk and he said, I want it by f****** Friday!. The charge carries a bond of $1,000. Phone: 817-249-1610. Newton on Thursday said Majors record of service proves hes the right man for the job and said he looks forward to having him as the departments chief. Posted on Monday, November 23, 2020. 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. The problem is, the four individuals on the council, they know their time is up, Newton said. Learn more. Bryant said he isnt opposed to changes in the city, but believes Newton is going about things in an aggressive way. When Wayman Newton found out last week about the warrant for his arrest in the town that elected him its first Black mayor, he wasnt surprised. Cold Cases, Missing and Unsolved Crimes. Deanna Taylor is one of those people. BREAKING: Tarrant Mayor arrested on assault charge, Finalists for Trussville BOE seat announced, Pinson council presents $60,000 check to schools, Springville softball blow out Pelham, continue dominant season, Obituary: Myra Carroll (August 22, 1937 February 23, 2023), Obituary: Sherry Webster Zorn (August 21, 1948 February 22, 2023), Obituary: Joy Silvey (August 2, 1932 February 26, 2023), Obituary: Grace Mixon (March 6, 1935 February 25, 2023), TCS hires new Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Former local TV anchors appear in PSA for COVID vaccinations, Trussville Police respond to 2 fights at Hewitt-Trussville High School today. Tom Green County District Attorney's Office. The Hurst Police Department is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency, providing 24-hour response to the needs of the community. But he said it has been plagued by a lack of investment, empty storefronts, and what he calls a lack of foresight. He said they are two police officers and two firefighters short but said it is not hindering services to the city. He never gave me a chance, he told AL.com of the mayor, adding that he had told Newton, I dont hire off race, I hire off qualifications.. A Facebook page called Whats really happening in the new Tarrant is another issue Newton addressed during the press conference. Kimbrough, 65, said the city has a lot of potential and a significant budget given its size. 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. If you actually go and talk to most people that actually live here in the city, they actually like the things that Im doing.. Im glad that we can finally put that behind me.. The two divisions within the Department, Administrative Services and Operational Services, provide numerous specialized public safety services to the citizens of Hurst. Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday after retired Chief Dennis Reno swore out a warrant on Newton for third-degree assault. 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 was released at 4:29 p.m. The charge comes after former Police Chief Dennis Reno claimed that Newton slammed a door on him shortly after he was put into office. Its my hope that once this video footage is released to the district attorney, theyll make the right decision and see this for what it is just a political stunt, just to smear my name,' Newton said. 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. Deputy Chief Mike Woods, 55, a 32-year veteran of the division, will serve as interim chief while the city begins a national search for a permanent chief. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. TARRANT, Ala. (WIAT) The city of Tarrant has announced it has terminated its fire chief after he was arrested last month in Georgia. Wendell Major has been selected, and. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton has been found not guilty on charges of misdemeanor assault on the former police chief. Tarrant County /QuickLinks.aspx. Download original document: Document text This text is machine-read, and may contain errors. 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., He said several police officers have left the department since he took office, in part for higher-paying jobs elsewhere and in part to what he said was a concerted effort by former employees to hurt the city and to ultimately hurt my administration.. 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. Chief Dennis Reno Tarrant resident Waynette Bonham said things seemed to be changing for the better under Newton. brittany: weeks after a tarrant councilman used a racial slur during a city meeting, the town's first black police chief wendell major is announc.ed wvtm 13's brea douglas met with him and mayor wayman newton, who nominated major during a racially tense time in tarrant. This is not true, and I fully expect to be exonerated, said Newton. She argued that it was clear from watching embarrassing city council meetings every week that he has some enemies. 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. 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. 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. We strive to maintain our citizens' trust and confidence in their Police Department by maintaining a high degree of integrity and professionalism among all Police employees. Tarrant drove away at 1:55 pm. I know how things are supposed to be done, he said. 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. He called himself the CEO of the city, and said Bryant and others have unfortunately been put off by the new structure hes installed. Asked how him being arrested for assault is different than the arrest of the former fire chief, Newton said, This is a misdemeanor. 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. Im more than qualified to be the mayor of Tarrant. This is not true, and I fully expect to be exonerated.. Chief Rickels had a felony charge and that also involved a gun,' he said. This type of conduct will not be tolerated, and employees that choose to engage in such behavior will be dealt with swiftly and severely.. They went through a process with these three people and then they would come to me and recommend who they wanted me to hire. I hope it dont offend you. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. He described one meeting a few months back where he said Newton tried to instigate a fight with him. Staff Login X Me and my husband are behind him 100 percent and were going to see this thing turn around., It feels good to know that people are supporting me and also people that actually witnessed the incident are standing behind me and speaking the truth,' Newton said. Although the numbers dont tell a damning tale, Newton said, Tarrant historically has had a problem.. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. According to AL.com, Rickels, who is white, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a gun after he allegedly pulled a gun on a Black realtor and photographer at a home he owned in Roswell, Georgia. He was charged with third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor. The alleged assault happened on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020 when the two got into a verbal dispute. The former police chief of Tarrant, Dennis Reno, was unwilling to stop the discriminatory practice of not hiring African American officers, which under my administration is unacceptable, said Newton. City Ordinances. In an ever-evolving city and police department, Deputy Chief Criado embraces new challenges and change. The city of Tarrant does not have a police chief or a fire chief at this time. When reached for comment, Newton said there had been a warrant taken out on him and that he had gotten it taken care of. Joel Kimbrough, who is white, has lived in Tarrant his whole life and owns a printing business there. He said he hopes to succeed in that endeavor. 1133 East Lake Blvd | Tarrant, AL 35217 | 205-849-2800. a municode design. We are committed to making our community a safe place to live, work, and visit. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. Proudly Managed & Hosted by Adam Black Media Alabama News Network Staff. 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. 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. Benbrook City Council. Proudly Managed & Hosted by Adam Black Media 1133 East Lake Blvd Tarrant, AL 35217 (205) 849-2800 . 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Major replaces former Chief Dennis Reno, who left the position in November 2020 after a run-in with Newton. Regular Council Meetings are held Every 1st and 3rd Monday's of each month @ 7PM. Mayor Wayman Newton on Thursday confirmed Jefferson County Sheriff's Capt. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Newton, the first black mayor of the mostly Black Birmingham suburb of 6,400 people, said there were no Black people on the police force when he became mayor. Pembroke Pines Police Department. Reno on Friday said Newton released only part of the video. The chief walked away like nothing happened,' she said. Those figures are only slightly higher than the 53 percent of the population Black folks make up, according to recent census records. Since Reno left the force, he said around 12 officers have left the department. Neither Rickels nor Steel responded to a request for comment for this story. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Tarrant Police Department 2593 Commerce Cir Tarrant, AL 35217 205-849-2811 The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is the police department that serves the area, where Mike Hale is the sheriff. Although the numbers dont tell a damning tale, Newton said, Tarrant historically has had a problem.. Brooks swears out arrest warrant for man who served lawsuit on his wife, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Man killed by tree that fell on his truck in Talladega, Alabama AG accuses ethics chief of self-dealing, GALLERY: Severe storms cause damage across central, Trees down, roads blocked across central Alabama, 70,000 people without power in central Alabama, Clean-up continues in central Alabama following Fridays, Road work to close I-65 NB near Alabaster over the, Pedestrian dead after struck by pickup truck, ADEM announces new group to study response to fire, Birmingham Barons to host job fair at Regions Field, White House condemns push to block abortion pills, Deputy shoots, kills person in south Alabama, JSU President Hudson placed on administrative leave, Another MS hospital will stop delivering babies, Beads given to parade goer contained womans ashes, Alabama man charged with child sex crimes, MS Senate passes bill restricting EV dealerships, St. Clair County deputy delivers baby in Vincent, Family: OPD failed to protect murder victim, Justice for Jasiah: Family of late teen explains, Georgia womans leg partially amputated following, Parent threatens teacher over book assignments, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Money Services Business Registrations; Moter Carriers The policy that I referred to that Mr. Reno had in place was simple. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Oh yes, there's trouble, right here in Tarrant City, with a capital "T" that rhymes with "C" that stands for (racist) Conspiracy. In response, Bryant claimed that he called Newton little boy, and that Newton had been trying to instigate himand that he meant the comment only to turn the tide on the situation. Theyre putting out what they want,' he said. All rights reserved (About Us). He aint going to cuss me. Wendell Major has been selected, and approved by the City Council, to take over as the departments top cop. My election kind of represented a transition from the old guard to the new, Newton told The Daily Beast. Ill take a voice stress analysist and a polygraph with the person of his (Newtons) choosing. Copyright All rights reserved. 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. Hes lying, Reno said of the mayor. The Ugly War Between a White Police Chief and a Black Mayor in the Deep South A TOWN DIVIDED Wayman Newton Tarrant, Alabama, has been gripped by a saga that some say reflects the rise of a. Tarrant resident Waynette Bonham said things seemed to be changing for the better under Newton. 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. Two different standards for two different people, he said. Newton denied harassing any city employees. 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.. Reminds me of Adolf Hitler., Bryant has served as a councilman for 12 years, and said hes lived in Tarrant for most of his life. Reno said he goes to physical therapy twice a week because of the injury and may have to undergo surgery. In an interview, the mayor denied ever slamming the door on Renos arm. The mayor is accused of slamming a door on Reno, causing an injury to Renos shoulder that may require surgery. Email Us. Chief Perry Tarranthas has 34 years of law enforcement experience and is a retired captain with the Tucson Police Department and a past assistant chief of the Seattle Police Department. Bryant wondered why Newton wasnt putting himself on leave given the fact that he fired Rickels for his charge. He does not plan to resign as mayor even though he fired the former fire chief after he was arrested on an assault charge because he said his own charge is a misdemeanor, and the charge against the former fire chief involved felony charges and a firearm. That incident ultimately led to a misdemeanor assault charge filed by Reno against Newton. Aziz was awarded the New Zealand Cross, New Zealand's highest award for bravery. Bryant also blamed the mayor for firing people without the input of other city officials, such as when he axed Jason Rickels, the former fire department chief in Tarrant, after Rickels was arrested in Georgia in March. 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. PA - Feb 06, 2023. Tarrant City Police Department - Tarrant, Alabama. At this point Im happy. I never had a single complaint against me the entire time I was at Tarrant, about being a racist, Reno continued. The city of Tarrant does not have a police chief or a fire chief at this time. But also partly due to a concerted effort between Dennis Reno, and city council members, and former city employees trying to get them to actually leave the city to hurt the city and to ultimately hurt my administration, Newton said. 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. Davis was one of about a dozen residents at City Hall Thursday to support the mayor. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.

Patrick Cullen Attorney, Religious Exemption Examples For Covid, Rizal's Professor In Ophthalmology At The University Of Heidelberg, Baton Rouge Mugshots, Washington State Tab Renewal Grace Period 2021, Articles T