Davis was one of about a dozen residents at City Hall Thursday to support the mayor. The alleged assault happened on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020 when the two got into a verbal dispute. 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. Nearby homes similar to 201 N Tarrant St have recently sold between $367K to $367K at an average of $180 per square foot. 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. 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. He has no regard for the proper procedures to do anything.. Reno said he hired black officers during his time at Tarrant and said those officers had left the department to go to bigger cities and make more money. When Tarrant returned to his car, Aziz threw the shotgun at it. Email Us. Fort Worth Assistant Police Chief Robert Alldredge told city council members there were . I actually question the legitimacy of those numbers like I question the legitimacy of the hiring practices of the previous police chief, he added. He said they are two police officers and two firefighters short but said it is not hindering services to the city. Hes lying like Hell! Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. There was nothing about racism, nothing about me not hiring any blacks or anything. Tarrant Mayor-elect Wayman Newton was sworn in on Nov. 2, 2020 as the city's first Black mayor. 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. 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. Share: Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on G+ Share with email. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. He said he cant comment on the case because of ongoing litigation. Im glad that we can finally put that behind me.. Download original document: Document text This text is machine-read, and may contain errors. The Hurst Police Department is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency, providing 24-hour response to the needs of the community. Brooks swears out arrest warrant for man who served lawsuit on his wife, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Man killed by tree that fell on his truck in Talladega, Alabama AG accuses ethics chief of self-dealing, GALLERY: Severe storms cause damage across central, Trees down, roads blocked across central Alabama, 70,000 people without power in central Alabama, Clean-up continues in central Alabama following Fridays, Road work to close I-65 NB near Alabaster over the, Pedestrian dead after struck by pickup truck, ADEM announces new group to study response to fire, Birmingham Barons to host job fair at Regions Field, White House condemns push to block abortion pills, Deputy shoots, kills person in south Alabama, JSU President Hudson placed on administrative leave, Another MS hospital will stop delivering babies, Beads given to parade goer contained womans ashes, Alabama man charged with child sex crimes, MS Senate passes bill restricting EV dealerships, St. Clair County deputy delivers baby in Vincent, Family: OPD failed to protect murder victim, Justice for Jasiah: Family of late teen explains, Georgia womans leg partially amputated following, Parent threatens teacher over book assignments, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Reno did not respond to repeated requests for comment for this story. Mayor Loxcil Tuck, 87, elected the citys first woman mayor in 2004, retired from politics. The problem is, the four individuals on the council, they know their time is up, Newton said. During his time as chief, Reno said he had a panel of three that recommend the hiring of officers, so he denies any claim that he had any discriminatory hiring practices. 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. There has been discord in the city since Newton took office, and he says thats because some people are resistant to change. Trouble continues brewing among Tarrant city officials. Fax: 817-249-4803. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Tarrant City Council member Tommy Bryant was arrested Monday after he reportedly attacked Mayor Wayman Newton, according to the mayor. A day after his arrest, Newman released video footage of the alleged assault. 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 is a dictatorial person, Bryant, 76, told The Daily Beast of Newton. For the second time in one week, city councilman Tommie Bryant was arrested.According to Tarrant's police chief, the latest arrest happened Thursday morning."He turned himself in at the county jail today on an outstanding warrant for theft of services," chief Wendell Major explained. I dont take sides between politicians.. He was released at 4:29 p.m. A call to the Tarrant City Hall and the Mayors Office went unanswered Wednesday afternoon. Newton said he expects the charge against him to be dropped after video of the incident is handed over to the District Attorneys Office. For example, he said, the firing of Rickels is something that he didnt need approval for. 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 Mayor Wayman Newton was arrested June 16, 2021 on a misdemeanor assault charge against the city's former police chief. ", Newton said he believes its a small number of former employees and former residents stirring up the controversy. In an interview, the mayor denied ever slamming the door on Renos arm. She argued that it was clear from watching embarrassing city council meetings every week that he has some enemies. FL - Feb 09, 2023. Type: Police Departments Population Served: 8148 Send it to The Daily Beast here. 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. He has been on workmans comp since the injury. The charge comes after former Police Chief Dennis Reno claimed that Newton slammed a door on. 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. In fact, I take those obstacles and I take their attempts to discredit me as motivation to keep going forward.. Phone: 817-249-1610. Is it me or is it him?. 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. All contents copyright 2021 Associated Press. In an ever-evolving city and police department, Deputy Chief Criado embraces new challenges and change. Aziz was awarded the New Zealand Cross, New Zealand's highest award for bravery. After months of pushback from the majority of council members, Newton said he hopes the city can eventually move in a positive direction. My thing is, I was elected to run the city. This type of conduct will not be tolerated, and employees that choose to engage in such behavior will be dealt with swiftly and severely.. My election kind of represented a transition from the old guard to the new, Newton told The Daily Beast. 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. 1133 East Lake Blvd | Tarrant, AL 35217 | 205-849-2800. a municode design. He said it all started during a conversation about hiring practices at the police department. 1133 East Lake Blvd Tarrant, AL 35217 (205) 849-2800 . 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 resident Waynette Bonham said things seemed to be changing for the better under Newton. 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. Former Tarrant Police Chief responds to Mayors claims of discriminatory hiring practices, 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), Obituary: Donald Leo Taylor (Sept. 13, 1938 Feb. 23, 2023) and Pamela Taylor (Nov. 5, 1943 Feb. 23, 2023), Trussville Police respond to 2 fights at Hewitt-Trussville High School today, Jasper man dies after single-vehicle collision in Hoover, Alabama State Chapter Receives NWTF Acreage Award, Savvy Senior: How to protect seniors from scam calls, Whats really happening in the new Tarrant, WATCH: Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton addresses his assault charge, Birmingham TV stations chip in, allowing ABC 33/40 employees to attend anchors funeral, Birmingham-Southern College: A solid investment for Alabama, 65-year-old pedestrian dies after dog attack in McDonalds Chapel Community. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. North Texas Interoperable Radio Network (NTIRN) Project 25 Phase II. A veteran lawman has been chosen as the first Black police chief in Tarrant. Newton was sworn in as the citys mayor in November 2020. 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 . Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021, after 42 years in law enforcement. 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. Lets get to the bottom of it and see who is lying.. Chief Rickels had a felony charge and that also involved a gun,' he said. (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com). In an interview, the mayor denied ever slamming the door on Renos arm. 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. Learn more. Westlake. TCOLE Licensing. Im a man. That has done a tremendous amount of damage to the city, because no one has had their eye on the future.. We appreciate the community's help in keeping everyone safe. Tarrant Police Chief Wendell Major confirms Bryant was arrested Thursday morning on a theft of services charge. City Manager Trey Yelverton has appointed Col. Al Jones, a 25-year veteran of the Baltimore County Police Department, as the City of Arlington's new police chief. Bryant said he isnt opposed to changes in the city, but believes Newton is going about things in an aggressive way. 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. Contact the City; Licenses; I Want To. Copyright All rights reserved. Newton denied any wrongdoing and released a video that he says proves he didnt assault the ex-chief. Reminds me of Adolf Hitler., Bryant has served as a councilman for 12 years, and said hes lived in Tarrant for most of his life. Newton said he helped solidify an internal affairs office to keep track of any alleged police misconduct. I do not represent the Mayor, Councilor Bryant or any other employee in its individual capacity, he said. 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. The fire department is also short two firefighters and neither department has a chief at this time. 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. During the press conference Thursday, Newton explained his versions of the incident that happened on Nov. 3, 2020. Ill take a voice stress analysist and a polygraph with the person of his (Newtons) choosing. View more recently sold homes. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. OPEN GOV US GOV US. 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. Neither Rickels nor Steel responded to a request for comment for this story. I have never said a racist statement to that guy, never made one, and he plays the race card. Joel Kimbrough, who is white, has lived in Tarrant his whole life and owns a printing business there. PA - Feb 06, 2023. 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. As Marshal Granger approached the man's home, the man opened fire with a 16 gauge shotgun. Deanna Taylor is one of those people. 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 never gave me a chance.. Im in charge of employees, he told The Daily Beast. He said the accusations about the supposed threats on Bryants life were not worth responding to. The city of Tarrant does not have a police chief or a fire chief at this time. Copyright All rights reserved. Newton turned himself into the Jefferson County Jail on Wednesday and was released a short time later after posting a $1,000 bond. For further clarity of these information, therefore, visit the website or call 817-276-4700 for more. 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 was trying to piss him off to see if hed come after me, Bryant said. 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. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021 after 42 years in law enforcement. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. (Jefferson County Jail). 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. Theyre putting out what they want,' he said. Proudly Managed & Hosted by Adam Black Media 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. The former police chief alleged that Newton closed a door in the mayors office on his arm, but the Tarrant mayor called the allegations false. Whos the racist here? 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. Bryant said he isnt opposed to changes in the city, but believes Newton is going about things in an aggressive way. 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. 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. Staff Login X Police Dept. Newton, an attorney, is accused of slamming a door on Reno, causing an injury to Renos shoulder that may require surgery. Im more than qualified to be the mayor of Tarrant. Im very, very excited.. 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. You can watch Newtons full press conference and reaction from his supporters below. He is a dictatorial person, Bryant, 76, told The Daily Beast of Newton. Newton held a press conference at Tarrant City Hall on Thursday to discuss the case. I do not represent the Mayor, Councilor Bryant or any other employee in its individual capacity, he said. 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. Newton said hes moving forward with his plans to better the city. He described one meeting a few months back where he said Newton tried to instigate a fight with him. The mayor has not named replacements for Rickels or Reno. 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? Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton said he plans to be exonerated of a misdemeanor assault charge lodged against him by the citys former police chief. The former chief said thats what started the verbal altercation. Major replaces former Chief Dennis Reno, who left the position in November 2020 after a run-in with Newton. 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. 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. Site Map. Newton said the ongoing discord hasnt been easy and at times hes wanted to lash out. View All But he told The Daily Beast that the police department employs 18 officers. And so this opportunity and burden has been placed on me and I fully expect to rise to the occasion and face the day.. He said the accusations about the supposed threats on Bryants life were not worth responding to. Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. 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). 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. A veteran lawman has been chosen as the first Black police chief in Tarrant. 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. 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). The charge carries a bond of $1,000. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. We have lived in the past, he said. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021, after 42 years in law enforcement. Oh yes, there's trouble, right here in Tarrant City, with a capital "T" that rhymes with "C" that stands for (racist) Conspiracy. McKeesport Police Department. 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). Newton surrendered to authorities. 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. Find an Ordinance; Apply For a Job; Submit a Bid; Submit a Comment; . 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. 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 mean come, on. 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. Newman released video footage of the alleged assault. 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. And thats what Ive been doing, he said. Newton said he helped solidify an internal affairs office to keep track of any alleged police misconduct. 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. I take that job and responsibility very seriously. But he said it has been plagued by a lack of investment, empty storefronts, and what he calls a lack of foresight. He can look and see what it could be without the historical hindsight of what it was, he 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. Newton has not yet named replacements for Reno or Rickels. But he said people like Bryant and Reno are, in effect, stuck in the past: Theyre longing for a time that was.. The Tarrant Police Department is located on Commerce Circle, and the Chief of Police is Dennis Reno. 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. At this point Im happy. He was charged with third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor. 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.