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.. All rights reserved (About Us). Milwaukee Police Department. 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. Nearby homes similar to 201 N Tarrant St have recently sold between $367K to $367K at an average of $180 per square foot. Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday, a month after Rickels was arrested in Georgia on assault, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. 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. 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. He called the charges a political stunt to smear his name. Deputy Chief David Carabajal Brian Steel, Rickels attorney, told AL.com the charges were baseless. There has been discord in the city since Newton took office, and he says thats because some people are resistant to change. 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. TARRANT The mayor of Tarrant was arrested on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. Send it to The Daily Beasthere. 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). Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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, 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. Mayor Wayman Newton on Thursday confirmed Jefferson County Sheriffs Capt. 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. 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. 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. North Texas Interoperable Radio Network (NTIRN) Project 25 Phase II. 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 . Phone: 817-249-1610. TCOLE Licensing. 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 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. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The former chief said thats what started the verbal altercation. As for Reno, he said he is not yet enjoying retirement because he misses going to work every day. Job Opportunities Currently hiring APOST Certified Officers at jobsquest.org Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow Police Contact Information 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. What happened is that he wanted me to bring him, on a Tuesday, he wanted by Friday, every personnel file from the police department. Emergency visits to Tarrant City Jail are also allowed, subject to the on-duty Watch Commander's approval. 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. Kimbrough, 65, said the city has a lot of potential and a significant budget given its size. 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. Newton was arrested on Wednesday on a charge of third-degree assault. 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. This is not true, and I fully expect to be exonerated, said Newton. I actually question the legitimacy of those numbers like I question the legitimacy of the hiring practices of the previous police chief, he added. Newman released video footage of the alleged assault. Newton, he said, has been a boon to the city because he recognizes its potential. Two different standards for two different people, he said. Tue, Mar 14 . Newton, a lawyer who was elected to office last year, was booked in the Jefferson County Jail for 20 minutes Wednesday. Westlake. Newton graduated from the Alabama School of Fine Arts, then earned a political science degree at the University of Pennsylvania and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. 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. 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. Fort Worth Assistant Police Chief Robert Alldredge told city council members there were . Copyright All rights reserved. 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.. 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.. 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. The mayors bench trial which means evidence and testimony were presented only to the judge, not a jury - was held earlier this month before Jefferson County District Judge Katrina Ross. Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday after retired Chief Dennis Reno swore out a warrant on Newton for third-degree assault. He said he cant comment on the case because of ongoing litigation. And so, unfortunately, its going to probably be another three years, but I feel certain that in 2024, that the citizens are going to clean house and we will actually have a council that is representative of the city and that wants to move the city forward.. The alleged assault happened on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020 when the two got into a verbal dispute. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. He is a dictatorial person, Bryant, 76, told The Daily Beast of Newton. Unfortunately, if you look at the city, and if you look at the people who are actually engaged in our politics, the people who make it a point to come and volunteer for our Farmers Market, people who make it a point to volunteer for other.at our rec center, they dont support those individuals. 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. Joel Kimbrough, who is white, has lived in Tarrant his whole life and owns a printing business there. Newton, elected in 2020 as the citys first Black mayor, is charged with third-degree assault of former Chief Dennis Reno. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton has been found not guilty on charges of misdemeanor assault on the former police chief. 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. Neither Rickels nor Steel responded to a request for comment for this story. Reno swore out a warrant on Newton for third-degree assault, and the mayor surrendered to authorities on Wednesday and was released on bond. In an interview, the mayor denied ever slamming the door on Renos arm. Newton was booked into the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer at 4:09 p.m. Wednesday with bond set at $1,000. The blast struck Marshal Granger in the abdomen, killing him. 2,044 Sq. Reno claimed he was injured when Newton slammed a door on him. Were in 2021 and its time for everybody to come together and work together to make this a great city., Hes going to make it. Reno said he and Newton had only one conversation about the racial makeup of the police force and he told the mayor: I dont hire off race, I hire off qualifications.. Newton, a lawyer who was elected to office last year, was booked in the Jefferson County Jail for 20 minutes Wednesday. Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021, after 42 years in law enforcement. 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. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. I didnt cuss him back. 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. 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. Those figures are only slightly higher than the 53 percent of the population Black folks make up, according to recent census records. TARRANT, Ala. (WIAT) The city of Tarrant has announced it has terminated its fire chief after he was arrested last month in Georgia. I dont mind changes, if theyre done like theyre supposed to be done. 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 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.. 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. Newton, the citys first Black Mayor, praised Majors exemplary record of service. I actually question the legitimacy of those numbers like I question the legitimacy of the hiring practices of the previous police chief, he added. dustin blake wood in texas tarrant county 11/12/1985 at 12:00. notice: mugshots.com is a news organization. The alleged assault happened on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020, when the two got into a verbal dispute. It is like he thinks hes God and he rules this city, she said. Its like now all hes doing is trying to oppose anything Mayor Newton is doing. 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. Newton was elected Aug. 25. 4 were here. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021 after 42 years in law enforcement. He accused Newton of failing to fill important vacant positions in the city, like the city clerk and the chief of police. The judge on Friday issued her orders declaring Newton not guilty in both cases. Hes lying, Reno said of the mayor. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday after retired Chief Dennis Reno swore out a warrant on Newton for third-degree assault. Mayor Loxcil Tuck, 87, elected the citys first woman mayor in 2004, retired from politics. 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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. Ft Worth Tarrant County Texas Arrests, Warrants & Most Wanted. He said he went to the jail in Bessemer because he heard that the media was awaiting his arrival at the Birmingham Jail. 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. 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. I take that job and responsibility very seriously. Newton held a press conference at Tarrant City Hall on Thursday to discuss the case. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. He said they are two police officers and two firefighters short but said it is not hindering services to the city. Oh yes, there's trouble, right here in Tarrant City, with a capital "T" that rhymes with "C" that stands for (racist) Conspiracy. Reno believes Newton is making the issue about something that its not. who left the position in November 2020 after a run-in with Newton, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Deputy Chief David Carabajal Newton was sworn in as the citys mayor in November 2020. He said it all started during a conversation about hiring practices at the police department. 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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. We would have friends and family that wouldnt come to Tarrant because they were known for it, Taylor said. TARRANT Former Tarrant Police Chief Dennis Reno responded Thursday to a press conference held by Mayor Wayman Newton earlier in the day. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 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. At this point Im happy. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Newton, elected in 2020 as the city's first Black mayor,. Trouble continues brewing among Tarrant city officials. 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. 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 take that job and responsibility very seriously. 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. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Newton was booked into the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer at 4:09 p.m. Wednesday with bond set at $1,000. 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. Robin Davis, spokeswoman for. A silver 2005 Subaru Outback matching the description of Tarrant's vehicle was seen by a police unit, and a pursuit was initiated at 1:57 pm. 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. We have people kicking against change and we need change,' she said. He said he hopes to succeed in that endeavor. Reno retired after the incident. Crime news across America. Westlake Fire operates on this system using Site 3 (Northeast Tarrant), Westlake contracts with the City of Keller for police and animal control services. 1080 Mercedes Street. The charge comes after former Police Chief Dennis Reno claimed that Newton slammed a door on him shortly after he was put into office. 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. 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 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. 4 Beds. The police department is short two officers, Newton said. View more recently sold homes. I fully believe, expect that, I will be fully exonerated., Tarrant resident Trulane Davis attended Thursdays press conference and said she was standing right there when the alleged assault happened. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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.. 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 has released video of an incident that led to the former police chief filing a misdemeanor assault charge against the mayor. Bryant wondered why Newton wasnt putting himself on leave given the fact that he fired Rickels for his charge. 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. He said untrue things about him have been posted on the page, including that he tried to bribe officers to not arrest his cousin after a chase and crash. The city of Tarrant does not have a police chief or a fire chief at this time. Find an Ordinance; Apply For a Job; Submit a Bid; Submit a Comment; . Newton has not yet named replacements for Reno or Rickels. I never had a single complaint against me the entire time I was at Tarrant, about being a racist, Reno continued. We appreciate the community's help in keeping everyone safe. He can look and see what it could be without the historical hindsight of what it was, he said. Is it me or is it him?. 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). I mean come, on. Newton said he expects the charge against him to be dropped after video of the incident is handed over to the District Attorneys Office. View All And thats what Ive been doing, 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 was also acquitted on a harassment charge obtained by city council member . 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.. 205-849-2811. I dont take sides between politicians.. 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. Since Reno left the force, he said around 12 officers have left the department. My election kind of represented a transition from the old guard to the new, Newton told The Daily Beast. 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. Im very, very excited.. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton was arrested June 16, 2021 on a misdemeanor assault charge against the city's former police chief. 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. Brian Steel, Rickels attorney, told AL.com the charges were baseless. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. 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 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. Reno denies the claim that he didnt want to hire black officers. He said the accusations about the supposed threats on Bryants life were not worth responding to.