Newton said he helped solidify an internal affairs office to keep track of any alleged police misconduct. Im in charge of employees, he told The Daily Beast. along with contact information, are available now on the wvt13m app. Jefferson County Sheriff's Capt. My council has put together a smear campaign saying that Ive been stealing money from the city so in the coming weeks were going to conduct an audit and when those results come back, Ill be able to clear my name on that as well.. He said the accusations about the supposed threats on Bryants life were not worth responding to. Benbrook Police Department. 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.. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The city of Tarrant does not have a police chief or a fire chief at this time. Tarrant resident Waynette Bonham said things seemed to be changing for the better under Newton. Ever since Newton, 40, took office after winning his election in Tarrant, Alabamapopulation 7,000by nearly 40 percentage points last year, a small minority of mostly white residents and city leaders have had it out for him, he told The Daily Beast. Aziz was awarded the New Zealand Cross, New Zealand's highest award for bravery. Newton surrendered to authorities. 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. Jones, who currently serves as the chief of Baltimore County Police Department's Community Relations Bureau, was selected through a robust . Its people like him that every time theyre wrong they start playing the race card, Reno added. TARRANT, Ala. (WIAT) Wayman Newton, the mayor of Tarrant, was charged with misdemeanor assault Wednesday. He called himself the CEO of the city, and said Bryant and others have unfortunately been put off by the new structure hes installed. 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. Fax: 817-249-4803. (Newton said the reason the city doesnt have a clerk or police chief is because Bryant and other holdover council members have opposed his choices and instead want to install someone sympathetic to them.). Electric Department; Fire; Library; Municipal Court; Parks and Recreation; Police; Public Works; Business. Deanna Taylor is one of those people. As for his shoulder, he said he might have to have surgery but that doctors are doing all they can to prevent that from happening. 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. Electric Department; Fire; Library; Municipal Court; Parks and Recreation; Police; Public Works; Business. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. A Facebook page called Whats really happening in the new Tarrant is another issue Newton addressed during the press conference. Reno retired on Jan. 1 after more than four decades of police work. 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. Newton called the assault chargein connection with an argument that happened seven months agoa stunt, while Reno has claimed Newton is only releasing part of the footage. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com). I actually question the legitimacy of those numbers like I question the legitimacy of the hiring practices of the previous police chief, he added. They went through a process with these three people and then they would come to me and recommend who they wanted me to hire. Tarrant, AL 35217. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021, after 42 years in law enforcement. My thing is, I was elected to run the city. Trouble continues brewing among Tarrant city officials. 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. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton was arrested June 16, 2021 on a misdemeanor assault charge against the city's former police chief. Copyright All rights reserved. He said Reno told him he hadnt hired Black officers because they werent qualified, and couldnt be trusted to police their own. 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. we post and write thousands of news stories a year, most wanted stories, editorials (under categories - blog) and stories of exonerations. Theyve been trying to do everything that they could possibly do to discredit me, and as theyve seen, Im not going anywhere,' he said. I never had a single complaint against me the entire time I was at Tarrant, about being a racist, Reno continued. Newton said he helped solidify an internal affairs office to keep track of any alleged police misconduct. 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. This type of conduct will not be tolerated, and employees that choose to engage in such behavior will be dealt with swiftly and severely.. who left the position in November 2020 after a run-in with Newton, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. 200 Taylor Street - 7th Floor Fort Worth, TX 76196 817-884-3354 The Tarrant County Sheriff's Office Sex Offender Registration Unit is responsible for the investigation and enforcement of the Sex Offender Registration Program required in Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. That incident ultimately led to a misdemeanor assault charge filed by Reno against Newton. This is not true, and I fully expect to be exonerated., Asked for a response to the mayors statement, Reno said, I only worked for him for two hours. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday after retired Chief Dennis Reno swore out a warrant on Newton for third-degree assault. 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. The alleged assault happened on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020 when the two got into a verbal dispute. 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. He aint going to cuss me. And to quote him exactly is, I dont hire black officers because black officers dont like to police their own.. This is not true, and I fully expect to be exonerated, said Newton. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. He even claimed that he wore a bulletproof vest to council meetings a few times because he feared for his safety. Newton turned himself into the Jefferson County Jail on Wednesday and was released a short time later after posting a $1,000 bond. And hopefully and once it works its way through the proper channels, those videos will be released to the public,' Newton said. We would have friends and family that wouldnt come to Tarrant because they were known for it, Taylor said. 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. 205-849-2811. 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 alleged assault happened on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020 when the two got into a verbal dispute. He accused Newton of failing to fill important vacant positions in the city, like the city clerk and the chief of police. 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. But he said it has been plagued by a lack of investment, empty storefronts, and what he calls a lack of foresight. Im a man. 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. There were no black officers, said Newton. He has no regard for the proper procedures to do anything.. 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. Newton was also acquitted on a harassment charge obtained by city council member Tommy Bryant who signed the misdemeanor warrant against him claiming the mayor made, in part, sexually explicit comments about the councilmans wife. All Current Year LODDs 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. But he said people like Bryant and Reno are, in effect, stuck in the past: Theyre longing for a time that was., Got a tip? Emergency visits to Tarrant City Jail are also allowed, subject to the on-duty Watch Commander's approval. 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. (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com). 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. Although the numbers dont tell a damning tale, Newton said, Tarrant historically has had a problem.. Deputy Chief David Carabajal He was released at 4:29 p.m. He never gave me a chance.. ", Newton said he believes its a small number of former employees and former residents stirring up the controversy. The mayor is accused of slamming a door on Reno, causing an injury to Renos shoulder that may require surgery. Joel Kimbrough, who is white, has lived in Tarrant his whole life and owns a printing business there. The policy that I referred to that Mr. Reno had in place was simple. 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.. Send it to The Daily Beasthere. If you actually go and talk to most people that actually live here in the city, they actually like the things that Im doing.. I take that job and responsibility very seriously. Kimbrough, 65, said the city has a lot of potential and a significant budget given its size. 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. TARRANT, Ala. (AP) A Black Alabama mayor accused of assault by the citys white former police chief claimed Thursday that the two got into a dispute because the chief wouldnt hire black officers. Newton said the discord has continued. All rights reserved (About Us). Copyright All rights reserved. A veteran lawman has been chosen as the first Black police chief in Tarrant. All rights reserved (About Us). My thing is, I was elected to run the city. Since Reno left the force, he said around 12 officers have left the department. 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. I do not represent the Mayor, Councilor Bryant or any other employee in its individual capacity, he said. Check the . He can look and see what it could be without the historical hindsight of what it was, he said. Newton said that is partly due to better-paying opportunities and partly due to continued angst brought on by the former police chief. Newton has not yet named replacements for Reno or Rickels. This is the official Facebook page for the Tarrant Police Department located within Jefferson County, Alabama.. Tarrant Police Department | Tarrant City AL This is not true, and I fully expect to be exonerated., Asked for a response to the mayors statement, Reno said, I only worked for him for two hours. McKeesport Police Department. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. Tue, Mar 14 . 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. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Newton, a lawyer who was elected to office last year, was booked in the Jefferson County Jail for 20 minutes Wednesday. 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. 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. Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday, a month after Rickels was arrested in Georgia on assault, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Newman released video footage of the alleged assault. Is it me or is it him?. Newton, elected in 2020 as the citys first Black mayor, was arrested June 16, 2021, on the third-degree assault lodged by former police Chief Dennis Reno. Bryant, who is white, also said his opposition to Newton has nothing to do with his race but rather stemmed from Newton trampling on the established ways of doing things and instilling a culture of fear among current and city employees because of his temper. Chief Dennis Reno TX - Nov 13, 2022. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday after the city's former police chief swore out a warrant on him. Oh yes, there's trouble, right here in Tarrant City, with a capital "T" that rhymes with "C" that stands for (racist) Conspiracy. 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 Wayman Newton. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. That has done a tremendous amount of damage to the city, because no one has had their eye on the future.. 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. He is also past national president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Taylor, who does not buy the assault charge, said her boyfriend is Black, and that for many in the Black community, it has been an open secret that the Tarrant Police Department had no Black police officers and would routinely pull over Black drivers and find excuses to search their cars. Newton held a press conference at Tarrant City Hall on Thursday to discuss the case. When reached for comment, Newton said there had been a warrant taken out on him and that he had gotten it taken care of. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. I didnt cuss him back. Westlake Fire operates on this system using Site 3 (Northeast Tarrant), Westlake contracts with the City of Keller for police and animal control services. Tarrant resident Waynette Bonham said things seemed to be changing for the better under Newton. 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. Benbrook City Council. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. When Tarrant returned to his car, Aziz threw the shotgun at it. 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. We are committed to making our community a safe place to live, work, and visit. As for Reno, he said he is not yet enjoying retirement because he misses going to work every day. Alabama News Network Staff. View All PA - Feb 06, 2023. Major has been in law enforcement for more than 30 years, beginning his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections. At this point Im happy. Email Us. Newton denied harassing any city employees. 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. People have been trying to throw obstacles in my way. Joel Kimbrough, who is white, has lived in Tarrant his whole life and owns a printing business there. TARRANT, Ala. (WBRC) - Tarrant City Councilman Tommy Bryant was arrested Thursday morning, Nov. 10, his second arrest this week, after a towing company says he drove away in his vehicle without paying. Racial Profiling Policy. She argued that it was clear from watching embarrassing city council meetings every week that he has some enemies. Mayor Newton is trying hard for the citizens of Tarrant, she said. As Marshal Granger approached the man's home, the man opened fire with a 16 gauge shotgun. Proudly Managed & Hosted by Adam Black Media Newton only acknowledged using foul language one time in private with Bryant, after he said the councilman called him boy. If you know anything about the history of the South and race relations, to have some 75-year-old man calling a 40-year-old Black man a boy is very insulting, Newton said. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Walter Franklin Granger Marshal Walter Granger was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who had assaulted a boy earlier in the day. He jumped up from that desk and he said, I want it by f****** Friday!. Reno retired after the incident because he said he knew he wouldnt be able to work with the new mayor. Money Services Business Registrations; Moter Carriers According to charging documents, Bryant said the incident happened July 19, 2021, at Tarrant City Hall following a council meeting. He described one meeting a few months back where he said Newton tried to instigate a fight with him. She argued that it was clear from watching embarrassing city council meetings every week that he has some enemies. I only worked for him for two hours. He was released at 4:29 p.m. A call to the Tarrant City Hall and the Mayors Office went unanswered Wednesday afternoon. All rights reserved (About Us). In an ever-evolving city and police department, Deputy Chief Criado embraces new challenges and change. The former chief said thats what started the verbal altercation. The visits at Tarrant City Jail take place on Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. In an ever-evolving city and police department, Deputy Chief Criado embraces new challenges and change. I dont mind changes, if theyre done like theyre supposed to be done. City Ordinances. The alleged assault occurred in November after he was elected mayor. 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. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Bryant was arrested back on . 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). Mayor Newton is trying hard for the citizens of Tarrant, she said. Newton was arrested on Wednesday on a charge of third-degree assault. Im in charge of employees, he told The Daily Beast. It is like he thinks hes God and he rules this city, she said. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). Im more than qualified to be the mayor of Tarrant. The alleged assault happened on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020 when the two got into a verbal dispute. Chief Wendell Major said this all stems from an argument between Councilman Bryant and Mayor Newton. Newton was booked into the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer at 4:09 p.m. Wednesday with bond set at $1,000. Neither Rickels nor Steel responded to a request for comment for this story. Newton is considered innocent until proven guilty and he has called the charge bogus. The Tribune is awaiting a call back from his attorney. He even claimed that he wore a bulletproof vest to council meetings a few times because he feared for his safety. 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. 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.. 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. OPEN GOV US GOV US. He supports Newton, does not believe the assault claim, and said he believes the real issue has to do with the changing demographics of the city over the past 30 years, which is now largely minority but was once predominantly white. Newton said hes moving forward with his plans to better the city. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021 after 42 years in law enforcement. Whos the racist here? 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. I do not represent the Mayor, Councilor Bryant or any other employee in its individual capacity, he said. Cold Cases, Missing and Unsolved Crimes. 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.. That has done a tremendous amount of damage to the city, because no one has had their eye on the future.. 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. 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. Bryant accused Newton of shouting an expletive F#*&- several times, and then, F#*& your wife multiple times and finally saying, Im going to F#*& your wife several times as well as some other sexually explicit comments. 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. The mayor has not named replacements for Rickels or Reno. I know how things are supposed to be done, he said. I only worked for him for two hours. Do you really think that I would say something like that at a public meeting?. Reno said his left elbow was injured in the incident. 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. Milwaukee Police Department. Deputy Chief David Carabajal Newton, an attorney, is accused of slamming a door on Reno, causing an injury to Renos shoulder that may require surgery. The fire department is also short two firefighters and neither department has a chief at this time. Newton only acknowledged using foul language one time in private with Bryant, after he said the councilman called him boy. If you know anything about the history of the South and race relations, to have some 75-year-old man calling a 40-year-old Black man a boy is very insulting, 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. Brian Steel, Rickels attorney, told AL.com the charges were baseless. 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. Newton was elected Aug. 25. Call (205) 849-2800 for more information. 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. 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. The fate of a proposed affordable housing project in the often-neglected Las Vegas Trail neighborhood is in doubt, after Tarrant County officials said they will likely claw back $11.6 million in . 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Address 2593 Commerce Circle Birmingham , Alabama , 35217 Phone 205-849-2811 Fax 205-849-2807 Tarrant Police Department / Tarrant City Jail Details Type Local Police Department Full Time Sworn Officers 25 Full Time Civilians 6 Map of Tarrant Police Department / Tarrant City Jail in Birmingham, Alabama YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Lets get to the bottom of it and see who is lying.. We would have friends and family that wouldnt come to Tarrant because they were known for it, Taylor said. Reno did not respond to repeated requests for comment for this story. 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. He is also past national president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Reno retired after the incident. Tarrant Mayor-elect Wayman Newton was sworn in on Nov. 2, 2020 as the city's first Black mayor. He can look and see what it could be without the historical hindsight of what it was, he said. This is the official Facebook page for the Tarrant Police Department located within Jefferson County, Alabama.. Brian Steel, Rickels attorney, told AL.com the charges were baseless. Newton was arrested on Wednesday on a charge of third-degree assault. But he told The Daily Beast that the police department employs 18 officers. Newton, a lawyer who was elected to office last year, was booked in the Jefferson County Jail for 20 minutes Wednesday. 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. Contact the City; Licenses; I Want To. Download original document: Document text This text is machine-read, and may contain errors. Crime news across America. Bryant, who is white, also said his opposition to Newton has nothing to do with his race but rather stemmed from Newton trampling on the established ways of doing things and instilling a culture of fear among current and city employees because of his temper. Job Opportunities Currently hiring APOST Certified Officers at jobsquest.org Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow Police Contact Information