Benbrook City Council. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The Tarrant Police Department is located on Commerce Circle, and the Chief of Police is Dennis Reno. 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. I take that job and responsibility very seriously. Tarrant, AL Home Page | Tarrant, AL 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Give me a break! 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. Bryant wondered why Newton wasnt putting himself on leave given the fact that he fired Rickels for his charge. 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. We have people kicking against change and we need change,' she said. Two different standards for two different people, he said. Chief Dennis Reno The city of Tarrant considers these actions absolutely irresponsible and reckless, Newton said in a statement announcing Rickelss termination. 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. 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. The chief walked away like nothing happened,' she said. Although the numbers dont tell a damning tale, Newton said, Tarrant historically has had a problem.. 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. 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. Newton was booked into the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer at 4:09 p.m. Wednesday with bond set at $1,000. Benbrook Police Department. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Tarrant resident Waynette Bonham said things seemed to be changing for the better under Newton. Email Us. Deputy Chief David Carabajal The charge carries a bond of $1,000. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. 2593 Commerce Circle. She argued that it was clear from watching embarrassing city council meetings every week that he has some enemies. All rights reserved (About Us). Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. 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.. Newton held a press conference at Tarrant City Hall on Thursday to discuss the case. Im more than qualified to be the mayor of Tarrant. Newton, a lawyer who was elected to office last year, was booked in the Jefferson County Jail for 20 minutes Wednesday. Reno swore out a warrant on Newton for third-degree assault, and the mayor surrendered to authorities on Wednesday and was released on bond. A veteran lawman has been chosen as the first Black police chief in Tarrant. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. Asked how him being arrested for assault is different than the arrest of the former fire chief, Newton said, This is a misdemeanor. The city of Tarrant does not have a police chief or a fire chief at this time. Bryant said he isnt opposed to changes in the city, but believes Newton is going about things in an aggressive way. Police Dept. Contact the City; Licenses; I Want To. Christchurch mosque shootings - Wikipedia Phone: 817-249-1610. It is like he thinks hes God and he rules this city, she said. After months of pushback from the majority of council members, Newton said he hopes the city can eventually move in a positive direction. Were going to continue to rebuild the city. 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. 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 material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. As Marshal Granger approached the man's home, the man opened fire with a 16 gauge shotgun. Got a tip? 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. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton acquitted on charges of assault - al 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. 201 N Tarrant St, Crowley, TX 76036 | MLS# 20207812 | Redfin 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. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton was arrested June 16, 2021 on a misdemeanor assault charge against the city's former police chief. Type: Police Departments Population Served: 8148 TARRANT, Ala. (WBRC) - Tarrant City Councilman Tommy Bryant was arrested Thursday morning, Nov. 10, his second arrest this week, after a towing company says he drove away in his vehicle without paying. Tarrant, Alabama, Mayor Wayman Newton Accused of Assault by Ex-Police Newton said the discord has continued. Brian Steel, Rickels attorney, told AL.com the charges were baseless. Tarrant City Police Department - Tarrant, Alabama Proudly Managed & Hosted by Adam Black Media The charge comes after former Police Chief Dennis Reno claimed that Newton slammed a door on. 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 is also past national president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. 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. Newton has not yet named replacements for Reno or Rickels. What happened is that he wanted me to bring him, on a Tuesday, he wanted by Friday, every personnel file from the police department. Nearby homes similar to 201 N Tarrant St have recently sold between $367K to $367K at an average of $180 per square foot. Reno retired on Jan. 1 after more than four decades of police work. You can watch Newtons full press conference and reaction from his supporters below. 1133 East Lake Blvd Tarrant, AL 35217 (205) 849-2800 . He said it all started during a conversation about hiring practices at the police department. Call (205) 849-2800 for more information. Contact the City; Licenses; I Want To. Newton said he helped solidify an internal affairs office to keep track of any alleged police misconduct. View All Police Department | City of Hurst, TX 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.. Joel Kimbrough, who is white, has lived in Tarrant his whole life and owns a printing business there. Tarrant's Police Chief reacts to Councilman Tommy Bryant's arrest Video of the November incident was released by the city attorney Thursday evening. I only worked for him for two hours. In an interview, the mayor denied ever slamming the door on Renos arm. We have lived in the past, he said. 4 Beds. Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday after retired Chief Dennis Reno swore out a warrant on Newton for third-degree assault. I dont mind changes, if theyre done like theyre supposed to be done. 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). Police | Tarrant, AL 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. He said the accusations about the supposed threats on Bryants life were not worth responding to. I actually question the legitimacy of those numbers like I question the legitimacy of the hiring practices of the previous police chief, he added. That has done a tremendous amount of damage to the city, because no one has had their eye on the future.. 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 was elected Aug. 25. And hopefully and once it works its way through the proper channels, those videos will be released to the public,' Newton said. (Facebook). The charge comes after former Police Chief Dennis Reno claimed that Newton slammed a door on him shortly after he was put into office. 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. I take that job and responsibility very seriously. And thats what Ive been doing, he said. The visits at Tarrant City Jail take place on Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. 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? 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. 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 has released video of an incident that led to the former police chief filing a misdemeanor assault charge against the 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. Since becoming mayor, Newton has vowed to "clean up the city" but he said he has faced pushback from the. The blast struck Marshal Granger in the abdomen, killing 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 never even got involved in the interviews, said Reno. Newton said hes moving forward with his plans to better the city. For example, he said, the firing of Rickels is something that he didnt need approval for. 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. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Newton, the citys first Black Mayor, praised Majors exemplary record of service. 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. Crime news across America. I wasnt shocked because I knew I didnt do any of the stuff they accused me of doing, Newton said Wednesday. Major could be sworn in as early as Sept. 2. Deanna Taylor is one of those people. 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 was charged with third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor. A Facebook page called Whats really happening in the new Tarrant is another issue Newton addressed during the press conference. Westlake. All Current Year LODDs 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. Newton said he helped solidify an internal affairs office to keep track of any alleged police misconduct. 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. Al Jones Appointed as New Arlington Police Chief - City of Arlington Newton turned himself into the Jefferson County Jail on Wednesday and was released a short time later after posting a $1,000 bond. 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.. Texas police officer decertifications | Prison Legal News Those figures are only slightly higher than the 53 percent of the population Black folks make up, according to recent census records. 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. 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. Welcome to the Fort Worth Police Department The chief accused Newton, an attorney, of slamming a door on Reno. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. And thats what Ive been doing, he said. Newton denied harassing any city employees. Tarrant Police Department / Tarrant City Jail - County Office 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. And so this opportunity and burden has been placed on me and I fully expect to rise to the occasion and face the day.. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. 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. Were not in the 50s anymore. It is like he thinks hes God and he rules this city, she said. Find an Ordinance; Apply For a Job; Submit a Bid; Submit a Comment; . If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. 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.. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021, after 42 years in law enforcement. 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 cited a Facebook page called Whats Really Happening in the New Tarrant, as a source for much of the trouble. We appreciate the community's help in keeping everyone safe. Because thats the only thing he can come up with.. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Aziz was awarded the New Zealand Cross, New Zealand's highest award for bravery. 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. TARRANT The mayor of Tarrant was arrested on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. Tarrant Arrests and Warrants | Alabama Jail Inmate Search Newton denied harassing any city employees. He said Reno told him he hadnt hired Black officers because they werent qualified, and couldnt be trusted to police their own. City of Memphis releases list of finalists for new police director Two different standards for two different people, he said. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Sign up now! This is the official Facebook page for the Tarrant Police Department located within Jefferson County, Alabama.. Newton surrendered to authorities. Tarrant County /QuickLinks.aspx. 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. 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. 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. The alleged assault happened on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020, when the two got into a verbal dispute. 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. Its like now all hes doing is trying to oppose anything Mayor Newton is doing. Tarrant city councilman arrested for second time this week on new charges In an ever-evolving city and police department, Deputy Chief Criado embraces new challenges and change. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. When Tarrant returned to his car, Aziz threw the shotgun at it. Tarrant Mayor-elect Wayman Newton was sworn in on Nov. 2, 2020 as the city's first Black mayor. Send it to The Daily Beasthere. dustin blake wood in texas tarrant county 11/12/1985 at 12:00. notice: mugshots.com is a news organization. As for Reno, he said he is not yet enjoying retirement because he misses going to work every day. I mean come, on. 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. Certainly, were glad to have him join us, Newton said. He accused Newton of failing to fill important vacant positions in the city, like the city clerk and the chief of police. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Check the . The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Newman was arrested again on Aug. 18, 2021, on the harassment charged obtained by Bryant. All rights reserved (About Us). (Newton said the reason the city doesnt have a clerk or police chief is because Bryant and other holdover council members have opposed his choices and instead want to install someone sympathetic to them.). 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. He said he went to the jail in Bessemer because he heard that the media was awaiting his arrival at the Birmingham Jail. 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. The police department is short two officers, Newton said. 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.. Reno retired after the incident. 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. (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. 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.. Hes lying like Hell! 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. Newton is considered innocent until proven guilty and he has called the charge bogus. The Tribune is awaiting a call back from his attorney. In fact, I take those obstacles and I take their attempts to discredit me as motivation to keep going forward.. Find an Ordinance; Apply For a Job; Submit a Bid; Submit a Comment; . 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. Do you really think that I would say something like that at a public meeting?. Police Department | Euless, TX 2 Baths. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton was arrested June 16, 2021 on a misdemeanor assault charge against the city's former police chief. Newton said he expects the charge against him to be dropped after video of the incident is handed over to the District Attorneys Office. Whos the racist here? 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. That incident ultimately led to a misdemeanor assault charge filed by Reno against Newton.