SOLD FEB 16, 2023. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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). 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. 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. At a later press conference, Newton said 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, Newton said. Were going to continue to rebuild the city. Newton said that is partly due to better-paying opportunities and partly due to continued angst brought on by the former police chief. Emergency visits to Tarrant City Jail are also allowed, subject to the on-duty Watch Commander's approval. brittany: weeks after a tarrant councilman used a racial slur during a city meeting, the town's first black police chief wendell major is announc.ed wvtm 13's brea douglas met with him and mayor wayman newton, who nominated major during a racially tense time in tarrant. Newton said the ongoing discord hasnt been easy and at times hes wanted to lash out. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021 after 42 years in law enforcement. 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. Certainly, were glad to have him join us, Newton said. Job Opportunities Currently hiring APOST Certified Officers at jobsquest.org Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow Police Contact Information 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. Although the numbers dont tell a damning tale, Newton said, Tarrant historically has had a problem.. In an interview, the mayor denied ever slamming the door on Renos arm. Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday after retired Chief Dennis Reno swore out a warrant on Newton for third-degree assault. According to jail records, Newton turned himself into the Jefferson County Jail at 4:09 p.m. . My election kind of represented a transition from the old guard to the new, Newton told The Daily Beast. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. So, the guy didnt know what he was talking about.. 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. Do you really think that I would say something like that at a public meeting?. 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. Major is a graduate of Fairfield High School and served as a U.S. Marine. 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. 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. But he said it has been plagued by a lack of investment, empty storefronts, and what he calls a lack of foresight. The conversation evolved into a shouting match, Newton said. Copyright All rights reserved. 1133 East Lake Blvd Tarrant, AL 35217 (205) 849-2800 . And thats what Ive been doing, he said. 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. 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. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton. Copyright All rights reserved. The two divisions within the Department, Administrative Services and Operational Services, provide numerous specialized public safety services to the citizens of Hurst. I jumped up and I said, Dont you ever curse me again, Reno recalled. The Hurst Police Department is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency, providing 24-hour response to the needs of the community. As for Reno, he said he is not yet enjoying retirement because he misses going to work every day. Because thats the only thing he can come up with.. I was trying to piss him off to see if hed come after me, Bryant said. dustin blake wood in texas tarrant county 11/12/1985 at 12:00. notice: mugshots.com is a news organization. That is all that was said. He said it all started during a conversation about hiring practices at the police department. Major could be sworn in as early as Sept. 2. He also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and consulted with the U.S. Department of State in training police forces in Afghanistan. As Marshal Granger approached the man's home, the man opened fire with a 16 gauge shotgun. 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. Give me a break! Tue, Mar 14 . All rights reserved (About Us). Mayor Wayman Newton on Thursday confirmed Jefferson County Sheriff's Capt. 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. I wasnt shocked because I knew I didnt do any of the stuff they accused me of doing, Newton said Wednesday. I do not represent the Mayor, Councilor Bryant or any other employee in its individual capacity, he said. Send it to The Daily Beasthere. 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. Call (205) 849-2800 for more information. Mayor Newton is trying hard for the citizens of Tarrant, she said. (Facebook). Reno said he goes to physical therapy twice a week because of the injury and may have to undergo surgery. Ever since Newton, 40, took office after winning his election in Tarrant, Alabamapopulation 7,000by nearly 40 percentage points last year, a small minority of mostly white residents and city leaders have had it out for him, he 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. TARRANT, Ala. (WIAT) Wayman Newton, the mayor of Tarrant, was charged with misdemeanor assault Wednesday. 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. 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. Major earned his criminal justice degree from UAB, and his law degree from Birmingham School of Law. Is it me or is it him?. He is a dictatorial person, Bryant, 76, told The Daily Beast of Newton. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 205-849-2811. He is also past national president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. I never had a single complaint against me the entire time I was at Tarrant, about being a racist, Reno continued. A report from the Fort Worth Police Department shows violent crimes dropped by more than 13% in 2022. . 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. Police | Tarrant, AL Police Call 911 in case of emergency. 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. Two different standards for two different people, he said. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021, after 42 years in law enforcement. 4 were here. 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 Reno told him he hadnt hired Black officers because they werent qualified, and couldnt be trusted to police their own. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Wendell Major has been selected, and approved by the City Council, to take over as the departments top cop. Jones, who currently serves as the chief of Baltimore County Police Department's Community Relations Bureau, was selected through a robust . Im more than qualified to be the mayor of Tarrant. In an ever-evolving city and police department, Deputy Chief Criado embraces new challenges and change. We appreciate the community's help in keeping everyone safe. 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. 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. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021 after 42 years in law enforcement. Newton said he went to speak to Police Chief Wendell . I take that job and responsibility very seriously. Newton, he said, has been a boon to the city because he recognizes its potential. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Mayor Loxcil Tuck, 87, elected the citys first woman mayor in 2004, retired from politics. I take that job and responsibility very seriously. Whos the racist here? Reno said his left elbow was injured in the incident. 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 . The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The 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. 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. 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. Reno swore out a warrant on Newton for third-degree assault, and the mayor surrendered to authorities on Wednesday and was released on bond. Im in charge of employees, he told The Daily Beast. Sign up now! Police Dept. Tarrant resident Waynette Bonham said things seemed to be changing for the better under Newton. The alleged assault happened on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020 when the two got into a verbal dispute. I only worked for him for two hours. 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. The blast struck Marshal Granger in the abdomen, killing him. 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. TX - Nov 13, 2022. Chief Wendell Major said this all stems from an argument between Councilman Bryant and Mayor Newton. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. People have been trying to throw obstacles in my way. I mean come, on. Video of the November incident was released by the city attorney Thursday evening. Milwaukee Police Department. Those figures are only slightly higher than the 53 percent of the population Black folks make up, according to recent census records. along with contact information, are available now on the wvt13m app. Newton, he said, has been a boon to the city because he recognizes its potential. Newton was booked into the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer at 4:09 p.m. Wednesday with bond set at $1,000. Newton was booked into the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer at 4:09 p.m. Wednesday with bond set at $1,000. Newton said he expects the charge against him to be dropped after video of the incident is handed over to the District Attorneys Office. 1080 Mercedes Street. 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.. This is not true, and I fully expect to be exonerated.. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. I dont take sides between politicians.. Since becoming mayor, Newton has vowed to "clean up the city" but he said he has faced pushback from the. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton surrendered to authorities Wednesday after the city's former police chief swore out a warrant on him. 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. Hes lying, Reno said of the mayor. (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. He returned to Birmingham to practice law, specializing in real estate. Major has been in law enforcement for more than 30 years, beginning his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections. The chief accused Newton, an attorney, of slamming a door on Reno. Crime news across America. Staff Login X 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. We would have friends and family that wouldnt come to Tarrant because they were known for it, Taylor said. FL - Feb 09, 2023. TARRANT Former Tarrant Police Chief Dennis Reno responded Thursday to a press conference held by Mayor Wayman Newton earlier in the 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. He has support,' she said. Its people like him that every time theyre wrong they start playing the race card, Reno added. Fort Worth Assistant Police Chief Robert Alldredge told city council members there were . Bryant wondered why Newton wasnt putting himself on leave given the fact that he fired Rickels for his charge. 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.. Tarrant Mayor-elect Wayman Newton was sworn in on Nov. 2, 2020 as the city's first Black mayor. She argued that it was clear from watching embarrassing city council meetings every week that he has some enemies. Reno left the chiefs job shortly after and officially retired Jan. 1, 2021, after 42 years in law enforcement. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. I wasnt even in the hiring process. TARRANT, Ala. (WIAT) The city of Tarrant has announced it has terminated its fire chief after he was arrested last month in Georgia.