tiburon police officer fired
"How can we do better as a community? Tiburon officials have released body-camera footage from the first officer at the scene of a late-night confrontation between police and Black business owner Yema Khalif, who asserts he was racially profiled when questioned at his downtown shop. All the applicants expressed an understanding of the events that have transpired in Tiburon in the last eight months, Chanis said. At 1 a.m. Saturday morning, Tiburon police officers saw three people inside the clothing store Yema on Main Street and decided to check it out. Marin City Matters member Paul Austin said Blasis resignation is a step in the right direction, but there is more work to be done starting from the top down. Khalif said when it became clear the officer wasnt understanding him, he asked the officer to call his supervisor. In August 2020, Yema Khalif and his wife Hawi Awash both Black were in their store in Tiburon when white police officers approached them demanding that the couple show proof that they owned the store. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. About 5 minutes into the footage, Blasi arrives on the scene, though Khalif notes that a third officer has also arrived a Belvedere patrol officer who is off screen but can be seen through the window in the separate video taken from inside the store and posted by Khalif to social media. Next time, just walk and the audio and video cut out. The supervisor demanded Khalif put his key in the door to prove ownership when a neighbor shouted at police identifying him. There are three Black people in the store whats the problem with that?, Watch the video on Instagram at instagram.com/p/CEKwyUrJIdl. Can you prove that its your store?, Khalif: I do not have to prove anything to you, its my store., Blasi: Oh my god, yes you do have to prove who you are., Khalif: I do not have to prove my existence to you.. Khalif, a resident for nearly 10 years, says hes been stopped while walking home and had to prove that he lives in Tiburon. Khalif then told the officers that they are are exercising unnecessary caution because there are three Black people in the store, according to the video. IRS delays tax deadline for Bay Area, but California hasn't followed: What should you do? Michael Blasi, who resigned not long after he was videotaped confronting a Black business owner who was unloading inventory into his store at one in the morning, last August. Khalif, who has lived in Tiburon for nearly 10 years, and Awash are well-known in the Tiburon business community. Michael Blasi, resigned in the aftermath. Tiburon Town Manager Greg Chanis announced the resignation in a newsletter saying [Sgt. Khalif replies, No, just doing our thing and asks if theres a problem. IRS delays tax deadline for Bay Area, but California hasn't followed: What should you do? The couple met at Dominican University of California in San Rafael. TIBURON (KPIX/CBS SF) -- The police chief of the City of Tiburon is stepping down , according to a report in the Marin Independent Journa l. Chief Michael Cronin is resigning after 12 years. Chanis has denied that Cronin's retirement is connected to the incident involving the business owners, according to the Marin IJ. Your email address will not be published. Pac-12 media rights: Our (final) predictions for the revenue, media partners, expansion decisions and more, Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, In 4 years, Lori Lightfoot went from breakout political star to divisive mayor of a Chicago beset by pandemic and crime, Florida lawmakers to consider expansion of so-called dont say gay law, Drone crashes at Disneyland after hovering over visitors heads See video, Rapper Travis Scott wanted for assaulting Manhattan club sound engineer, destroying $12K in equipment, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Khalif said he, Awash and a friend were in the store doing inventory when he noticed a police vehicle circling the block. TIBURON, Calif. (KGO) -- On Thursday night, a four-hour, heated virtual community meeting took place over an incident that happened in the small North Bay city of Tiburon, California. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. At the 10-minute mark, Madfes chimes in again: Prove to us you have keys or , There you go, thats the perfect thing, Blasi says as Khalif removes something from his pocket. A Tiburon police sergeant has resigned following a confrontation with a Black merchant that critics say stemmed from racial profiling. Awash characterized the conversation as positive. Thats all we want to know, Blasi says. In the video, Blasi eventually says Khalif should be grateful that the officers are looking out for his shop. They refused to leave until I proved it, Khalif said in the post. It sparked widespread outrage within the community and prompted town officials to order an independent investigation into the officers conduct. At the conclusion of the investigation the report will be provided to the Town Manager for review and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigator, Cronin said. A place where Ive lived for nine and a half years? This isn't regular business hours, there's no customers in there. When we hire police, the police chief makes a recommendation, but the town manager approves every hire.. Whatever the intention of the responding officers, the interchange inappropriately deteriorated from helpful to confrontational, Fredericks said in the statement, adding that Tiburon officers are trained and expected to de-escalate situations such as these. According to Khalif, the officer responded that he had already called for backup before Khalif made the request. Laurie can be reached at (415)789-2805. They opened the athletic apparel boutique in February. Khalif becomes increasingly frustrated as Blasis requirement shifts: Did you identify yourself? Critics of the officers handling of the incident note that Blasi did not de-escalate the encounter on his arrival. As a community, we need to demand change in our public servants when it becomes clear their own unrecognized prejudices can no longer allow them to protect and serve all residents.. The four fired men were Patrol Officer Juan Lugo Perez, Sgt. Based on this belief, Sgt. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Theyre the ones with the guns, theyre the ones with the badge, theyre the ones with the authority, she said. Khalif says he wasnt angry, just putting his foot down. The recording shows a Tiburon officer, identified as supervising Sgt. To be fair, some more than others.. Comment at the meeting, or in advance by emailing comments@townoftiburon.org. There's video of the interaction and an investigation underway. In 1999 the department moved into its current location at 1155 Tiburon Blvd. Tiburon police records show that no one called police about suspicious activity at the store, and no alarms had been set off. Theyre the ones with the guns, theyre the ones with the badge, theyre the ones with the authority, she said. The two engage, mostly in circles, for the next minute as Madfes repeatedly asks why the three are there so late, and Khalif, at times visibly showing frustration, repeatedly asks why it matters if theres no problem. The argument continued for a few more minutes, with both Blasi and Khalif raising their voices. The encounter escalated when the supervising sergeant arrived on scene. Henry Ty McGowan, Detective Seneca Shields and. The Tiburon Police Department was established in 1972 following the towns incorporation by eight years. Scott Adams faces 'consequence culture' as U.S. newspapers drop Dilbert, Tom Cruise's 'ditching' of Suri showcased by Judd Apatow's 'co-parenting' joke, ex-Scientology exec says. Khalif was also a speaker at the 2018 Belvedere-Tiburon Librarys Pop-Up 94920 series. One of our business friend was visiting us from washing DC so he came with us. Khalif, who designs most of the companys clothing, grew up in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya. The town announced Blasis resignation on Tuesday. The incident revolves around the officers assertions that because most Main Street businesses shut down about 9 or 10 p.m., and theyd never seen workers inside the shop at 1 a.m., Khalif was required to explain to the officers why they were inside and provide some physical evidence identification or a key in the door that he is the owner. TIBURON, Calif. (KGO) -- A Black business owner is speaking out after Tiburon police demanded proof he was the store's owner. Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, FL Gov. We do not need to prove why we need to exist, Khalif said. It first operated from 80 Main Street before moving in the late 70's into surplus military housing near its present site. Although Ryan Monaghan was not my choice, Im looking forward to working with him to find out what his plans are for community policing, diversity and inclusion, and hiring and promotion within the department, he said. Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith were fired on Jan. 20 after an administrative investigation found they had violated department policy on the. Yema's wife says the officer had his hand on his gun. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. Supervisor and another cop - who had his hand on his gun, by the way, showed up almost immediately. Based on this belief, Sgt. Dear Abby: Why do they imply my husband is a freak? Blasi] believes it would be difficult to continue being effective as a police officer in Tiburon. The county settled a lawsuit by Grimes family for nearly $1 million. Offensive text messages exchanged between police officers in the Los Angeles suburb of Torrance, California, have hit the news and brought a spotlight on systemic discriminatory practices within the department.. If I tell you its my store, then what? Khalif asks in the video. On Aug. 21, Khalif issued a statement on the companys Facebook page explaining what had happened early that morning. Noah Griffin, a member of the towns Diversity Inclusion Task Force, said he was one of two African American members of the community panel that interviewed the finalists. They opened the athletic apparel boutique in February. "We are extraordinarily sad to report the loss. Miss Manners: I shouldn't call because the phone scares people? The newly-released bodycam video can be seen here. I had to prove my house, street and number, and I had to prove that I lived in Tiburon, Khalif said. Marin resident Chelsea Ialeggio, who was raised in Tiburon, said she is disgusted by the incident. Kevin Hessel is The Arks executive editor. Really? I fing live here, do not tell me about whatever, Khalif responds. A video depicting Tiburon police officers in heated exchange with the owner of the towns only Black-owned business while working late in his downtown shop has sparked outrage in the community. It was unclear why late Aug. 26 Tiburon released the extended video, in which the previously unidentified Tiburon patrol officer, Isaac Madfes, speaks his first name aloud. Then show me its your store, Blasi responds. One of the. After the panel interviews, I met with each finalist for approximately 45 minutes to an hour, and then each finalist had the opportunity to tour the police station.. Police officers in a California town have been accused of racial profiling after confronting a Black business owner who . In a later interview, Simpson said he was concerned by the way the three officers were surrounding Khalif. Again, Khalif says hell speak to the supervisor, but Madfes insists Khalif is required to give me a lawful reason why youre here.. Blasi has responded to numerous law enforcement-related questions on Quora, a question-and-answer website, over the last few years. The settlement was announced. Is it your store? The confrontation led to a rally in Tiburon on Aug. 29 against racial profiling. RELATED: Santa Clara University professor, her brother racially profiled by campus guards, In an emailed statement writing, "The Town is engaging the services of an outside, independent attorney to conduct an investigation of the incident involving a local business owner and Tiburon Police Officers on August 21 at 10 Main Street. "Had that white neighbor not said anything that night, maybe Yema wouldn't be here with us today and I would let that sink in for a minute," says Hawi Awash. Then he insisted that he wanted us to prove who we are and to explain what we were doing at the store that late. Should you desire additional information that doesnt appear on the site, please contact us directly at 415-789-2801 or by using the department directory. Khalif said the officer circled the store three or four times before stopping outside the shop and sitting across the street for about 15 minutes. A Black business owner believes he was racially profiled by police as he was filling inventory inside his store last Friday at 1 a.m. I, kindly, explained that we didnt have to prove anything and asked for a supervisor. After it was over I was shaking, Awash said. At no point during the 11-minute exchange did either Tiburon officer assert any potential criminal or suspicious activity was occurring beyond their mere presence in the building at that hour. Where do you live? Madfes says. Blasi] believes it would be difficult to continue being effective as a police officer in Tiburon. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Doesnt the business owner have some responsibility for not complying, which also couldve de-escalated the situation? asked Reedlands resident Elizabeth Shapiro on Nextdoor. Put your key in the door and were out of here. The Police Department and Emergency Operations Center are also responsible for developing and maintaining the Emergency Operations Plan for the entire Tiburon Peninsula. Blasi stepped in and was recorded arguing with Khalif while the patrol officer and a Belvedere officer stood by. Persons seeking assistance need only lift the phone to be connected with a dispatcher. In addition to normal police activities, the police station also houses the Emergency Operations Center, which is equipped to manage disaster response for Tiburon and Belvedere. The heated exchange, which began shortly after 1 a.m. Aug. 21, was partially recorded from inside the store by Khalifs friend while his partner and store co-founder, Hawi Awash, stood back from the door. Chief Michael Cronin is resigning after 12 years amid a blacklash over his handling of the George Floyd protests and a recent incident involving an officer and the only Black clothing store owner in Tiburon. Thank you, see ya, Blasi says as he turns and walks away toward Fountain Plaza. Michael Blasi, was, 2022 The Ark, AMMI Publishing Co. Inc. | 1550 Tiburon Blvd. And he wanted us to prove who we are. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. A percentage of all sales are donated to Road to Freedom Scholarships for the education of orphaned children in Ethiopia and Kenya, a program that was started by Danish actress and part-time Tiburon resident Connie Nielsen. Khalif posted the video to Instagram. Khalif didn't answer the question, saying what people didn't see in the body cam video are the officers who had circled the business multiple times beforehand and had been watching them. It came from knowing that in one split second they could end someones life.. Awash said both she and Khalif have been heartened by the support from the Tiburon community, with both reiterating they feel lucky to live in town. Khalif and Awash say, however, that they shouldnt be required to repeatedly identify themselves to police to prove who they are and that they belong in town. I still believe that the person at the head, Chief Cronin, needs to take some responsibility and do the same that Blasi did and step down, Austin said. Michael Blasi demanded Khalif and 2 other Black ppl prove they were allowed to be in the store. Moments later, a neighbor awoken by the yelling can be heard telling police that Khalif was the store owner. TIBURON, Calif. (KGO) -- A Black business owner is speaking out after Tiburon police demanded proof he was the store's owner. We welcome and encourage your thoughts and comments. Chanis said 60 people provided public comment during the four-hour forum. Blasi begins asking the same questions as the first officer, including what the three were doing there late at night. Tiburon police sergeant resigns amid racial, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Alameda County DAs new policy will reduce prison sentences through widespread elimination of sentencing enhancements, Tiburon police sergeant resigns amid racial profiling claims, Letters: Plethora of problems | Creating AL | Provenance of woke | Teen girls | Public bank. The police chief of the wealthy Bay Area town of Tiburon has announced his retirement as the community reels over a confrontation between police and . He said he was surrounded by officers who told him they were responding to a call about a person touching peoples cars.. The Aug. 21 incident is the second time in recent months the Tiburon Police Department has come under public scrutiny for its response to racial issues in the wake of the Memorial Day killing of George Floyd and ensuing Black Lives Matter protests across the country, including several in Tiburon. In these conversations, Sergeant Blasi expressed his love for Tiburon and described the deep connection he developed during his time serving the community, Chanis wrote in a message to residents. Some days we have to work late. I can no longer sit idle and watch the (Tiburon Police Department) inhumanely treat the citizens and business owners of our town. Monaghans starting annual salary is $195,000, which is 3% less than Cronins salary, Chanis said. The first officer stayed behind briefly and again asked Khalif to put his key in the door, though Khalif again declined, saying the matter was settled. He went on to say that both he and Awash have been stopped numerous times by Tiburon police, both in their cars and walking down the street. Simpson, who is familiar with Khalif, said he was concerned by the way the three officers were surrounding him, so he yelled down to confirm Khalif was the owner. Im not going to answer your question. Sgt. Khalif, who designs most of the companys clothing, grew up in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya. The Los Angeles Times broke the story about former officers charged with conspiracy and vandalism in connection to a swastika spray-painting on a citizen's car. The supervising officer, Tiburon Sgt. Protesters march Saturday, Jan. 28, in Memphis, Tenn., over the death of Tyre Nichols, who died after being beaten by Memphis police. Two five-member interview panels, one consisting of community members and the other of professionals, held two meetings to narrow the applicants down to three, said Town Manager Greg Chanis. Thats when we knew he had already called for back up. Khalif said he was wearing the same outfit as the mannequin he was standing next to while talking to police from the doorway. California Attorney General Rob Bonta launched an independent investigation Wednesday into the Torrance Police Department after evidence emerged that officers were sharing racist and homophobic . - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Reporter Hannah Weikel covers the city of Belvedere, as well as crime, courts and public safety issues on the Tiburon Peninsula. Cause you dont sound like youre very grateful. What is it that theyre fearing?. A Black man can not say that, but a white man can.. Were here because we love Tiburon, and we know that Tiburon loves us back, Awash said. In a later interview, Awash pointed out that there are large posters on the stores walls of both she and Khalif modeling their clothing. It is clear that did not occur in this instance.. 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tiburon police officer fired