Newman was arrested again on Aug. 18, 2021, on the harassment charged, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Reno swore out a warrant on Newton for third-degree assault, and the mayor surrendered to authorities on Wednesday and was released on bond. We have lived in the past, he said. 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. Westlake Fire operates on this system using Site 3 (Northeast Tarrant), Westlake contracts with the City of Keller for police and animal control services. I only worked for him for two hours. Kimbrough, 65, said the city has a lot of potential and a significant budget given its size. Two different standards for two different people, he said. 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. Tue, Mar 14 . Tarrant drove away at 1:55 pm. I hope it dont offend you. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. We are committed to making our community a safe place to live, work, and visit. 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. 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.. Since becoming mayor, Newton has vowed to "clean up the city" but he said he has faced pushback from the. 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. We have lived in the past, he said. All contents copyright 2021 Associated Press. Tarrant Mayor-elect Wayman Newton was sworn in on Nov. 2, 2020 as the city's first Black mayor. WI - Feb 07, 2023. Hes lying like Hell! A day after his arrest, Newman released video footage of the alleged assault. Newton surrendered to authorities. Cold Cases, Missing and Unsolved Crimes. Reno did not respond to repeated requests for comment for this story. Major earned his criminal justice degree from UAB, and his law degree from Birmingham School of Law. Im a man. Fax: 817-249-4803. Fort Worth Assistant Police Chief Robert Alldredge told city council members there were . Newton has not yet named replacements for Reno or Rickels. 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. He said he hopes to succeed in that endeavor. The judge on Friday issued her orders declaring Newton not guilty in both cases. Clara Palmore and her husband were also there to support Newton. As Marshal Granger approached the man's home, the man opened fire with a 16 gauge shotgun. 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. But he said people like Bryant and Reno are, in effect, stuck in the past: Theyre longing for a time that was.. Reno denies the claim that he didnt want to hire black officers. Tarrant Police Chief Wendell Major confirms Bryant was arrested Thursday morning on a theft of services charge. Now all of a sudden hes in office and I work for him for two hours and Im a racist? He said the accusations about the supposed threats on Bryants life were not worth responding to. The mayor has not named replacements for Rickels or Reno. (Jefferson County Jail). 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. He returned to Birmingham to practice law, specializing in real estate. The police department is short two officers, Newton said. Benbrook City Council. FL - Feb 09, 2023. 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). 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). along with contact information, are available now on the wvt13m app. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Milwaukee Police Department. During the press conference Thursday, Newton explained his versions of the incident that happened on Nov. 3, 2020. He is a dictatorial person, Bryant, 76, told The Daily Beast of Newton. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Major could be sworn in as early as Sept. 2. TARRANT, Ala. (WIAT) Wayman Newton, the mayor of Tarrant, was charged with misdemeanor assault Wednesday. 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. Phone: 817-249-1610. 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. And as I stated before, there is a video of this incident, which will be released to the authorities. 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. The alleged assault occurred in November after he was elected mayor. 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. This is not true, and I fully expect to be exonerated, said Newton. 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. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021 after 42 years in law enforcement. He was charged with third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor. 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. Joel Kimbrough, who is white, has lived in Tarrant his whole life and owns a printing business there. Reno claimed he was injured when Newton slammed a door on him. Newton said he helped solidify an internal affairs office to keep track of any alleged police misconduct. He went on to serve with the UAB Police Department, the Fairfield Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, where he has been for at least two decades. 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. Site Map. 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. TARRANT, Ala. (AP) A Black Alabama mayor accused of assault by the city's white former police chief claimed Thursday that the two got into a dispute because the chief wouldn't hire. Newton said he feels he represents all of the people that want to change the city. 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 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Tarrant's arrest. I never had a single complaint against me the entire time I was at Tarrant, about being a racist, Reno continued. Copyright All rights reserved. Newton, elected in 2020 as the citys first Black mayor, is charged with third-degree assault of former Chief Dennis Reno. 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. He can look and see what it could be without the historical hindsight of what it was, he said. He accused Newton of failing to fill important vacant positions in the city, like the city clerk and the chief of police. 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. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Newton, elected in 2020 as the city's first Black mayor,. Mayor Wayman Newton on Thursday confirmed Jefferson County Sheriff's Capt. Tarrant County /QuickLinks.aspx. Tarrant, AL 35217. He aint going to cuss me. 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.. For his part, Reno denied any pattern of discriminatory hiring. 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Job Opportunities Currently hiring APOST Certified Officers at jobsquest.org Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow Police Contact Information View All The Hurst Police Department is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency, providing 24-hour response to the needs of the community. 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. He said it was created by a former employee and is, for lack of any way else of describing it, its just basically a racist page that smears my name and makes it the point to keep up division in the city., I have the truth behind me,' he said, and the truth is going to set me free.. Hes lying, Reno said of the mayor. Pembroke Pines Police Department. Newton, a lawyer who was elected to office last year, was booked in the Jefferson County Jail for 20 minutes Wednesday. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. Emergency visits to Tarrant City Jail are also allowed, subject to the on-duty Watch Commander's approval. Newton, an attorney, is accused of slamming a door on Reno, causing an injury to Renos shoulder that may require surgery. 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. 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. There has been discord in the city since Newton took office, and he says thats because some people are resistant to change. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. He said Reno told him he hadnt hired Black officers because they werent qualified, and couldnt be trusted to police their own. 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. What happened is that he wanted me to bring him, on a Tuesday, he wanted by Friday, every personnel file from the police department. Proudly Managed & Hosted by Adam Black Media Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021, after 42 years in law enforcement. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. I dont mind changes, if theyre done like theyre supposed to be done. When reached for comment, Newton said there had been a warrant taken out on him and that he had gotten it taken care of. Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday after retired Chief Dennis Reno swore out a warrant on Newton for third-degree assault. Citations. Asked how him being arrested for assault is different than the arrest of the former fire chief, Newton said, This is a misdemeanor. Is it me or is it him?. Trouble continues brewing among Tarrant city officials. Reno said he goes to physical therapy twice a week because of the injury and may have to undergo surgery. Newton denied harassing any city employees. Sign up now! He said it all started during a conversation about hiring practices at the police department. TARRANT The mayor of Tarrant was arrested on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. The city of Tarrant considers these actions absolutely irresponsible and reckless, Newton said in a statement announcing Rickelss termination. Jones, who currently serves as the chief of Baltimore County Police Department's Community Relations Bureau, was selected through a robust . 2 Baths. 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. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton told a news conference that former chief Dennis Reno had a discriminatory practice of refusing to hire African Americans as police officers and wouldnt change it. 1133 East Lake Blvd | Tarrant, AL 35217 | 205-849-2800. a municode design. 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. Neither Rickels nor Steel responded to a request for comment for this story. But he told The Daily Beast that the police department employs 18 officers. I dont mind changes, if theyre done like theyre supposed to be done. 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. He called himself the CEO of the city, and said Bryant and others have unfortunately been put off by the new structure hes installed. Oh yes, there's trouble, right here in Tarrant City, with a capital "T" that rhymes with "C" that stands for (racist) Conspiracy. Newton said the discord has continued. Find an Ordinance; Apply For a Job; Submit a Bid; Submit a Comment; . Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. SOLD FEB 16, 2023. You can watch Newtons full press conference and reaction from his supporters below. 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. 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. I know how things are supposed to be done, he said. Mayor Loxcil Tuck, 87, elected the citys first woman mayor in 2004, retired from politics. He has no regard for the proper procedures to do anything.. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021, after 42 years in law enforcement. 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. At a press conference held about his arrest, 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. I do not represent the Mayor, Councilor Bryant or any other employee in its individual capacity, he said. 2593 Commerce Circle. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021 after 42 years in law enforcement. McKeesport Police Department. 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. Although the numbers dont tell a damning tale, Newton said, Tarrant historically has had a problem.. There has been discord in the city since Newton took office, and he says thats because some people are resistant to change. Tom Green County District Attorney's Office. The charge comes after former Police Chief Dennis Reno claimed that Newton slammed a door on. Newton, the citys first Black Mayor, praised Majors exemplary record of service. 4 were here. Wendell Major has been selected, and approved by the City Council, to take over as the departments top cop. I didnt cuss him back. He said Reno told him he hadnt hired Black officers because they werent qualified, and couldnt be trusted to police their own. Newton said Reno told him that he didnt hire Black officers because Black officers dont like to police their own.. Staff Login X The city of Tarrant does not have a police chief or a fire chief at this time. 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Benbrook Police Department. The charge comes after former Police Chief Dennis Reno claimed that Newton slammed a door on him shortly after he was put into office. Video of the November incident was released by the city attorney Thursday evening. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. And thats what Ive been doing, he said. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. 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 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. TARRANT, Ala. (WIAT) Wayman Newton, the mayor of Tarrant, was charged with misdemeanor assault Wednesday. The incident was caught on camera. 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). Call (205) 849-2800 for more information. The two divisions within the Department, Administrative Services and Operational Services, provide numerous specialized public safety services to the citizens of Hurst. Tarrant City Council member Tommy Bryant was arrested Monday after he reportedly attacked Mayor Wayman Newton, according to the mayor. Contact the City; Licenses; I Want To. Mayor Newton is trying hard for the citizens of Tarrant, she said. Two different standards for two different people, he said. Proudly Managed & Hosted by Adam Black Media 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. 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. City Ordinances. 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. 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. For example, he said, the firing of Rickels is something that he didnt need approval for. 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 actually question the legitimacy of those numbers like I question the legitimacy of the hiring practices of the previous police chief, he added. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Newton denied harassing any city employees. Since Reno left the force, he said around 12 officers have left the department. 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. Newton said the ongoing discord hasnt been easy and at times hes wanted to lash out. He accused Newton of failing to fill important vacant positions in the city, like the city clerk and the chief of police. 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.