Chief Dennis Reno He never gave me a chance, he told AL.com of the mayor, adding that he had told Newton, I dont hire off race, I hire off qualifications.. TARRANT The mayor of Tarrant was arrested on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. The problem is, the four individuals on the council, they know their time is up, Newton said. 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. 2,044 Sq. 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. Although the numbers dont tell a damning tale, Newton said, Tarrant historically has had a problem.. She argued that it was clear from watching embarrassing city council meetings every week that he has some enemies. 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 conversation evolved into a shouting match, Newton said. I only worked for him for two hours. He even claimed that he wore a bulletproof vest to council meetings a few times because he feared for his safety. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton said he plans to be exonerated of a misdemeanor assault charge lodged against him by the citys former police chief. Newton was arrested on Wednesday on a charge of third-degree assault. The policy that I referred to that Mr. Reno had in place was simple. I actually question the legitimacy of those numbers like I question the legitimacy of the hiring practices of the previous police chief, he added. Im very, very excited.. The alleged assault happened on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020 when the two got into a verbal dispute. 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. 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. Were going to continue to rebuild the city. Reno did not respond to repeated requests for comment for this story. 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. (Jefferson County Jail), At a press conference held Thursday, 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. (Jefferson County Jail). 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 called himself the CEO of the city, and said Bryant and others have unfortunately been put off by the new structure hes installed. Ft Worth Tarrant County Texas Arrests, Warrants & Most Wanted. He said the accusations about the supposed threats on Bryants life were not worth responding to. 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. Tarrant Police Chief Wendell Major confirms Bryant was arrested Thursday morning on a theft of services charge. 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. The visits at Tarrant City Jail take place on Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. 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. 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. Were not in the 50s anymore. Newton was booked into the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer at 4:09 p.m. Wednesday with bond set at $1,000. They went through a process with these three people and then they would come to me and recommend who they wanted me to hire. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Video of the November incident was released by the city attorney Thursday evening. 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. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Newton said he feels he represents all of the people that want to change the city. The alleged assault happened on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020 when the two got into a verbal dispute. Im glad that we can finally put that behind me.. Phone: 817-249-1610. He returned to Birmingham to practice law, specializing in real estate. Now all of a sudden hes in office and I work for him for two hours and Im a racist? Nearby homes similar to 201 N Tarrant St have recently sold between $367K to $367K at an average of $180 per square foot. And thats what Ive been doing, he said. The fire department is also short two firefighters and neither department has a chief at this time. I know how things are supposed to be done, he said. 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. 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. 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. He described one meeting a few months back where he said Newton tried to instigate a fight with him. Reno said he goes to physical therapy twice a week because of the injury and may have to undergo surgery. 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.. Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday after retired Chief Dennis Reno swore out a warrant on Newton for third-degree assault. As for Reno, he said he is not yet enjoying retirement because he misses going to work every day. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. During the press conference Thursday, Newton explained his versions of the incident that happened on Nov. 3, 2020. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021, after 42 years in law enforcement. Newton, an attorney, is accused of slamming a door on Reno, causing an injury to Renos shoulder that may require surgery. I wasnt shocked because I knew I didnt do any of the stuff they accused me of doing, Newton said Wednesday. (Facebook). Tarrant City Council member Tommy Bryant was arrested Monday after he reportedly attacked Mayor Wayman Newton, according to the mayor. Deputy Chief David Carabajal Jefferson County Sheriff's Capt. Reno retired after the incident because he said he knew he wouldnt be able to work with the new mayor. The charge comes after former Police Chief Dennis Reno claimed that Newton slammed a door on him shortly after he was put into office. 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. 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. by 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 cited a Facebook page called Whats Really Happening in the New Tarrant, as a source for much of the trouble. Newton was also acquitted on a harassment charge obtained by city council member Tommy Bryant who signed the misdemeanor warrant against him claiming the mayor made, in part, sexually explicit comments about the councilmans wife. For his part, Reno denied any pattern of discriminatory hiring. That is all that was said. Newton, he said, has been a boon to the city because he recognizes its potential. Staff Login X Although the numbers dont tell a damning tale, Newton said, Tarrant historically has had a problem.. 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. But Reno said he has his own video of the incident and it shows the door being slammed on his elbow. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. He described one meeting a few months back where he said Newton tried to instigate a fight with him. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. PA - Feb 06, 2023. The full press conference can be watched in the video player above. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. He has support,' she said. 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. The alleged assault occurred in November after he was elected mayor. Aziz was awarded the New Zealand Cross, New Zealand's highest award for bravery. 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. Tarrant resident Waynette Bonham said things seemed to be changing for the better under Newton. 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. 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. 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. Newton said he helped solidify an internal affairs office to keep track of any alleged police misconduct. "All of us at SPD are extremely proud of Chief Perry Tarrant. I know how things are supposed to be done, he said. Reno believes Newton is making the issue about something that its not. 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. 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. 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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. 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. 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 an interview, the mayor denied ever slamming the door on Renos arm. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The chief walked away like nothing happened,' she said. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. 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. Type: Police Departments Population Served: 8148 Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton. 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. Major replaces former Chief Dennis Reno, who left the position in November 2020 after a run-in with Newton. City Ordinances. 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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. Chief Perry Tarranthas has 34 years of law enforcement experience and is a retired captain with the Tucson Police Department and a past assistant chief of the Seattle Police Department. I was trying to piss him off to see if hed come after me, Bryant said. In an ever-evolving city and police department, Deputy Chief Criado embraces new challenges and change. I dont mind changes, if theyre done like theyre supposed to be done. TX - Nov 13, 2022. A veteran lawman has been chosen as the first Black police chief in Tarrant. I didnt cuss him back. We have lived in the past, he said. After months of pushback from the majority of council members, Newton said he hopes the city can eventually move in a positive direction. Sources say former Police Chief Dennis Reno pressed charges against the new mayor in connection to an incident between the two that happened after Newton was sworn into office. We would have friends and family that wouldnt come to Tarrant because they were known for it, Taylor said. 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. Major could be sworn in as early as Sept. 2. Neither Rickels nor Steel responded to a request for comment for this story. Major has been in law enforcement for more than 30 years, beginning his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections. My election kind of represented a transition from the old guard to the new, Newton told The Daily Beast. 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.. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton was arrested June 16, 2021 on a misdemeanor assault charge against the city's former police chief. Since Reno left the force, he said around 12 officers have left the department. He aint going to cuss me. 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. He accused Newton of failing to fill important vacant positions in the city, like the city clerk and the chief of police. who left the position in November 2020 after a run-in with Newton, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. For his part, Reno denied any pattern of discriminatory hiring. He called the charges a political stunt to smear his name. There was nothing about racism, nothing about me not hiring any blacks or anything. Reno swore out a warrant on Newton for third-degree assault, and the mayor surrendered to authorities on Wednesday and was released on bond. I dont take sides between politicians.. Its like now all hes doing is trying to oppose anything Mayor Newton is doing. Bryant was arrested back on . Copyright All rights reserved. WI - Feb 07, 2023. That has done a tremendous amount of damage to the city, because no one has had their eye on the future.. Regular Council Meetings are held Every 1st and 3rd Monday's of each month @ 7PM. This is the official Facebook page for the Tarrant Police Department located within Jefferson County, Alabama.. I do not represent the Mayor, Councilor Bryant or any other employee in its individual capacity, he said. Newman was arrested again on Aug. 18, 2021, on the harassment charged, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. 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. we post and write thousands of news stories a year, most wanted stories, editorials (under categories - blog) and stories of exonerations. My election kind of represented a transition from the old guard to the new, Newton told The Daily Beast. 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. I take that job and responsibility very seriously. 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. People have been trying to throw obstacles in my way. 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. But he said it has been plagued by a lack of investment, empty storefronts, and what he calls a lack of foresight. Newton said hes moving forward with his plans to better the city. 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. Those figures are only slightly higher than the 53 percent of the population Black folks make up, according to recent census records. SOLD FEB 16, 2023. Fax: 817-249-4803. 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. He said the accusations about the supposed threats on Bryants life were not worth responding to. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Bryant said he isnt opposed to changes in the city, but believes Newton is going about things in an aggressive way. Clara Palmore and her husband were also there to support Newton. 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. Find an Ordinance; Apply For a Job; Submit a Bid; Submit a Comment; . For example, he said, the firing of Rickels is something that he didnt need approval for. 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. 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. All Current Year LODDs 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. The chief accused Newton, an attorney, of slamming a door on Reno, causing an injury to Renos shoulder. Hes lying like Hell! 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 has been found not guilty on charges of misdemeanor assault on the former police chief. Proudly Managed & Hosted by Adam Black Media ", Newton said he believes its a small number of former employees and former residents stirring up the controversy. Give me a break! I dont mind changes, if theyre done like theyre supposed to be done. Newton held a press conference at Tarrant City Hall on Thursday to discuss the case. Newton was arrested on Wednesday on a charge of third-degree assault. The Tarrant Police Department is located on Commerce Circle, and the Chief of Police is Dennis Reno. 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. Reno retired on Jan. 1 after more than four decades of police work. According to charging documents, Bryant said the incident happened July 19, 2021, at Tarrant City Hall following a council meeting. Reno said his left elbow was injured in the incident. Phone: (817) 685-1500 The Euless Police Department provides law enforcement service for the community. Newton was also acquitted on a harassment charge obtained by city council member . 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. He said he hopes to succeed in that endeavor. Mayor Loxcil Tuck, 87, elected the citys first woman mayor in 2004, retired from politics. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. I jumped up and I said, Dont you ever curse me again, Reno recalled. But he told The Daily Beast that the police department employs 18 officers. Brian Steel, Rickels attorney, told AL.com the charges were baseless. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. He is a dictatorial person, Bryant, 76, told The Daily Beast of Newton. The city of Tarrant does not have a police chief or a fire chief at this time. 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. Sign up now! Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. Do you really think that I would say something like that at a public meeting?. TARRANT, Ala. (WIAT) Wayman Newton, the mayor of Tarrant, was charged with misdemeanor assault Wednesday. A day after his arrest, Newman released video footage of the alleged assault. 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. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021, after 42 years in law enforcement. All rights reserved (About Us). TARRANT Former Tarrant Police Chief Dennis Reno responded Thursday to a press conference held by Mayor Wayman Newton earlier in the day. The former chief said thats what started the verbal altercation. Newton said the ongoing discord hasnt been easy and at times hes wanted to lash out. Tarrant's arrest. 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. 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. But he said it has been plagued by a lack of investment, empty storefronts, and what he calls a lack of foresight. Pembroke Pines Police Department. He said he went to the jail in Bessemer because he heard that the media was awaiting his arrival at the Birmingham Jail. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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). 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. TCOLE Licensing. 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.. It is like he thinks hes God and he rules this city, she said. Reno denies the claim that he didnt want to hire black officers. Newton, elected in 2020 as the city's first Black mayor,. Mayor Newton is trying hard for the citizens of Tarrant, she said. Westlake. 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. 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. So, the guy didnt know what he was talking about.. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Westlake Fire operates on this system using Site 3 (Northeast Tarrant), Westlake contracts with the City of Keller for police and animal control services. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Im more than qualified to be the mayor of Tarrant. 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.