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. Wendell Major has been selected, and. Reno retired after the incident because he said he knew he wouldnt be able to work with the new mayor. He can look and see what it could be without the historical hindsight of what it was, he said. Sign up now! 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. He returned to Birmingham to practice law, specializing in real estate. The city of Tarrant does not have a police chief or a fire chief at this time. 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). 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. Perry A. Tarrant Full Bio Cerelyn 'CJ' Davis Cerelyn 'CJ' Davis 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? 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. 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. In an interview, the mayor denied ever slamming the door on Renos arm. We have lived in the past, he said. Benbrook City Council. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Major has been in law enforcement for more than 30 years, beginning his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). Do you really think that I would say something like that at a public meeting?. Aziz was awarded the New Zealand Cross, New Zealand's highest award for bravery. 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 Newton's. 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.. At that time, my lieutenant for the police department was in ICU with COVID and I told him I would need a little bit more time to get that information because all of the files was on the lieutenants computer and I said, I dont have access to his computer. He jumps up from his desk and I will tell you exactly what he said. Crime news across America. All rights reserved (About Us). Theyve been trying to do everything that they could possibly do to discredit me, and as theyve seen, Im not going anywhere,' he said. Theyre putting out what they want,' he said. Milwaukee Police Department. Mayor Newton is trying hard for the citizens of Tarrant, she said. 2593 Commerce Circle. He is also past national president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Chief Rickels had a felony charge and that also involved a gun,' he 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. Trouble continues brewing among Tarrant city officials. Newton said that is partly due to better-paying opportunities and partly due to continued angst brought on by the former police chief. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. Check the . 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. 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 . And thats what Ive been doing, he said. 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. Tarrant, AL 35217. Reno on Friday said Newton released only part of the video. Find an Ordinance; Apply For a Job; Submit a Bid; Submit a Comment; . In an interview, the mayor denied ever slamming the door on Renos arm. Newton was arrested on June 16 and charged with third-degree assault, according to records from the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, which declined to elaborate on the charges prior to publication. I only worked for him for two hours. 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. We are committed to making our community a safe place to live, work, and visit. Since becoming mayor, Newton has vowed to "clean up the city" but he said he has faced pushback from the. The alleged assault happened on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020 when the two got into a verbal dispute. In an ever-evolving city and police department, Deputy Chief Criado embraces new challenges and change. He never gave me a chance.. along with contact information, are available now on the wvt13m app. Tarrant City Council member Tommy Bryant was arrested Monday after he reportedly attacked Mayor Wayman Newton, according to the mayor. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Newton denied any wrongdoing and released a video that he says proves he didnt assault the ex-chief. A day after his arrest, Newman released video footage of the alleged assault. Im fairly certain that once people had an opportunity to look at these videos, theyre going to know the truth., Again, Im not above the law and so this is a criminal matter and its going to work its way through the courts,' he said. 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. 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. 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 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 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. TX - Nov 13, 2022. Citations. 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. TARRANT The mayor of Tarrant was arrested on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. 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. At this point Im happy. He jumped up from that desk and he said, I want it by f****** Friday!. 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. He described one meeting a few months back where he said Newton tried to instigate a fight with him. Since becoming mayor, Newton has vowed to clean up the city but he said he has faced pushback from the council, former community members as well as former city employees. The Hurst Police Department is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency, providing 24-hour response to the needs of the community. 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. He aint going to cuss me. Although the numbers dont tell a damning tale, Newton said, Tarrant historically has had a problem.. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Download original document: Document text This text is machine-read, and may contain errors. 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.. Tue, Mar 14 . If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. OPEN GOV US GOV US. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. 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. 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. Its people like him that every time theyre wrong they start playing the race card, Reno added. Newton said he also started an environmental task force and he is currently working on a project to refurbish and use vacant buildings and on a plan to bring a charter school to the city. 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. All Current Year LODDs Newton, who has called a 10 a.m. press conference at Tarrant City Hall, on Thursday released this statement: 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., 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. Emergency visits to Tarrant City Jail are also allowed, subject to the on-duty Watch Commander's approval. 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 blast struck Marshal Granger in the abdomen, killing him. 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. Tarrant City Police Department - Tarrant, Alabama. The Tarrant mayor said that at that time the city did not have a single black police officer. Bryant said he isnt opposed to changes in the city, but believes Newton is going about things in an aggressive way. According to charging documents, Bryant said the incident happened July 19, 2021, at Tarrant City Hall following a council meeting. All rights reserved (About Us). I hope it dont offend you. We didnt see anything happen.'. That is all that was said. Chief Perry Tarrant 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. I know how things are supposed to be done, he said. Mayor Wayman Newton on Thursday confirmed Jefferson County Sheriff's Capt. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. 2,044 Sq. He has been on workmans comp since the injury. 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). This is the official Facebook page for the Tarrant Police Department located within Jefferson County, Alabama.. For example, he said, the firing of Rickels is something that he didnt need approval for. He has no regard for the proper procedures to do anything.. Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday after retired Chief Dennis Reno swore out a warrant on Newton for third-degree assault. He said he went to the jail in Bessemer because he heard that the media was awaiting his arrival at the Birmingham Jail. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021, after 42 years in law enforcement. We have people kicking against change and we need change,' she said. Newton was elected Aug. 25. The conversation evolved into a shouting match, Newton said. He said the accusations about the supposed threats on Bryants life were not worth responding to. That has done a tremendous amount of damage to the city, because no one has had their eye on the future.. Chief Wendell Major said this all stems from an argument between Councilman Bryant and Mayor Newton. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Were not in the 50s anymore. 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. This is not true, and I fully expect to be exonerated, said Newton. Neither Rickels nor Steel responded to a request for comment for this story. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday after the citys former police chief swore out a warrant on him. Im in charge of employees, he told The Daily Beast. 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. 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. When reached for comment, Newton said there had been a warrant taken out on him and that he had gotten it taken care of. 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. I wasnt shocked because I knew I didnt do any of the stuff they accused me of doing, Newton said Wednesday. 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.. Send it to The Daily Beast here. Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday, a month after Rickels was arrested in Georgia on assault, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. 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(WIAT) Wayman Newton, the mayor of Tarrant, was charged with misdemeanor assault Wednesday. When asked how many black officers were on the force when the new mayor took office, Mayor Newton said there werent any. I know how things are supposed to be done, he said. Wendell Major has been chosen as the first Black police chief in Tarrant. 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. 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. 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. Is there a reason you got rid of every white department head in the city? Texas police officer decertifications Locations: United States of America -> Texas Topics: Police Misconduct. Two different standards for two different people, he said. The two divisions within the Department, Administrative Services and Operational Services, provide numerous specialized public safety services to the citizens of Hurst. 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. He said the accusations about the supposed threats on Bryants life were not worth responding to. Reno denies the claim that he didnt want to hire black officers. Two different standards for two different people, he said. Newton, a lawyer who was elected to office last year, was booked in the Jefferson County Jail for 20 minutes Wednesday. A Facebook page called Whats really happening in the new Tarrant is another issue Newton addressed during the press conference. The mayor has not named replacements for Rickels or Reno. All contents copyright 2021 Associated Press. He accused Newton of failing to fill important vacant positions in the city, like the city clerk and the chief of police. 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. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). During his time as mayor, the city has started a low-cost vet clinic, offered food giveaways, and started a new program to help people purchase homes in Tarrant with specialty loans through Regions Bank. 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. Newton turned himself into the Jefferson County Jail on Wednesday and was released a short time later after posting a $1,000 bond. He described one meeting a few months back where he said Newton tried to instigate a fight with him. The alleged assault happened on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020, when the two got into a verbal dispute. Major is a graduate of Fairfield High School and served as a U.S. Marine. He has support,' she said. I actually question the legitimacy of those numbers like I question the legitimacy of the hiring practices of the previous police chief, he added. 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.. But he said people like Bryant and Reno are, in effect, stuck in the past: Theyre longing for a time that was.. He has no regard for the proper procedures to do anything.. Newton, elected in 2020 as the citys first Black mayor, is charged with third-degree assault of former Chief Dennis Reno. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Newton said the discord has continued. He is also past national president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Newton said he went to speak to Police Chief Wendell . 1080 Mercedes Street. I dont mind changes, if theyre done like theyre supposed to be done. Chief Dennis Reno The Black 41-year-old claimed the mayor has also made other positive changes in the city, such as starting a farmers market, providing greater access to the community center, and feeding the poorest city residents. This type of conduct will not be tolerated, and employees that choose to engage in such behavior will be dealt with swiftly and severely.. (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.). I dont mind changes, if theyre done like theyre supposed to be done. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. Major earned his criminal justice degree from UAB, and his law degree from Birmingham School of Law. dustin blake wood in texas tarrant county 11/12/1985 at 12:00. notice: mugshots.com is a news organization. I only worked for him for two hours. Do you really think that I would say something like that at a public meeting?. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. According to jail records, Newton turned himself into the Jefferson County Jail at 4:09 p.m. Newton was arrested on Wednesday on a charge of third-degree assault. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021 after 42 years in law enforcement. Staff Login X 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. 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. 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. Job Opportunities Currently hiring APOST Certified Officers at jobsquest.org Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow Police Contact Information It is like he thinks hes God and he rules this city, she said. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The alleged assault happened on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020 when the two got into a verbal dispute. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Ft Worth Tarrant County Texas Arrests, Warrants & Most Wanted. Newton, an attorney, is accused of slamming a door on Reno, causing an injury to Renos shoulder that may require surgery. The Seattle Police Department is honored to announce that Assistant Chief Perry Tarrant was sworn in as the next president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). Police | Tarrant, AL Police Call 911 in case of emergency. There has been discord in the city since Newton took office, and he says thats because some people are resistant to change. I do not represent the Mayor, Councilor Bryant or any other employee in its individual capacity, he said. But when he stood up in that desk and said that to me, I knew good and well right then I wasnt going to throw a 42-year career away off somebody like him. The city of Tarrant considers these actions absolutely irresponsible and reckless, Newton said in a statement announcing Rickelss termination. I was trying to piss him off to see if hed come after me, Bryant said. Newton is considered innocent until proven guilty and he has called the charge bogus. The Tribune is awaiting a call back from his attorney. 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. He even claimed that he wore a bulletproof vest to council meetings a few times because he feared for his safety. SOLD FEB 16, 2023. Major could be sworn in as early as Sept. 2. PA - Feb 06, 2023. 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. 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 Reno told him he hadnt hired Black officers because they werent qualified, and couldnt be trusted to police their own. He was released at 4:29 p.m. When Tarrant returned to his car, Aziz threw the shotgun at it. Copyright All rights reserved. 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. Neither Rickels nor Steel responded to a request for comment for this story. Call (205) 849-2800 for more information. The charge carries a bond of $1,000. Jason Rickles was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second-degree criminal damage to property and possession of a deadly weapon after an incident in Roswell, Ga. on March 12. 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He was charged with third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor. Tarrant Police Chief Wendell Major confirms Bryant was arrested Thursday morning on a theft of services charge. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Newton said there is video of the alleged assault and he has ordered the city attorney to release the video footage to the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office, as well as video of Reno moving out of his office the following day.
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