"We are extraordinarily sad to report the loss. He said he was surrounded by officers who told him they were responding to a call about a person touching peoples cars.. "He has fostered partnerships, communication, and trust within our community, and his philosophy toward successful law enforcement practices has substantially moved our department forward.". DeSantis coming to CA as new poll shows him leading Trump, Ice flies off SUV, smashing windshield: 'You could kill somebody'. Thank you sir, thats all I needed to know. We are not interested in blanket apologies that have no honesty and truth and actionable things that will prevent a situation like this from happening to the next Black man, he said. She stressed the importance to use the incident as a learning step.. A 6-minute video of the incident was posted to Instagram and Facebook by Yema Khalif, the co-owner of the action fashion wear boutique Yema at 10 Main St. , and a business friend, all of whom are Black, were at their store late at night counting inventory, according to a post on YEMAs Instagram account. All the applicants expressed an understanding of the events that have transpired in Tiburon in the last eight months, Chanis said. At least three large posters of Khalif and Awash modeling their clothes are visible on the rear wall throughout the footage. Town Manager Greg Chanis said Blasi has had several conversations with town officials since the incident. A Tiburon police sergeant has resigned following a confrontation with a Black merchant that critics say stemmed from racial profiling. After another shop owner yelled at police, telling them the couple did own the store, the officers left. The recording shows a Tiburon officer, identified as supervising Sgt. Khalif and Awash say they had already seen the car circle the block three to four times before it stopped outside the shop, where they say it sat for about 15 minutes before the start of the town-released body-cam footage and that they had anticipated what was about to happen next. Awash was born in Ethiopia and lived as a refugee in Kenya before moving with her family to Minnesota. The investigation needs to go further than just this incident at Yema, said Adjani, a friend of the store owners. 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. Tiburon police officers are trained and held to the highest standards of conduct. The officers immediately left the store. Thank you, see ya, Blasi says as he turns and walks away toward Fountain Plaza. This isnt regular business hours, theres no customers in here. TIBURON, Calif. . 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. If you have a problem, you tell me . It first operated from 80 Main Street before moving in the late 70s into surplus military housing near its present site. Grime, 47, was placed in a hobbling device, binding his handcuffs to ankle restraints behind his back. Laurie Nilsen is the Emergency Services Coordinator for both towns. ", Supervisor: "Then show me that it's your store. "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. Second Lt. Caron Nazario, who is Black and Latino, is suing over the incident, claiming the two officers violated his rights guaranteed under the First and Fourth Amendments. Kevin Hessel is The Arks executive editor. 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. 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. Proceeds from clothing sales help send orphans go to school. 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. said Yema Khalif in a video his friend took. ", Khalif: "I do not have to show you nothing. Would dismantling Interstate 980 repair damage to Black neighborhoods? D, Tiburon, CA 94920 | 415-435-2652 | Privacy Policy| Designed by Kevin Hessel. 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. It is unclear whether or not the police received a 911 call that prompted their presence at YEMA late that night. Ive not been feeling the reality of it. The off-camera speaker presumably makes reference to the June 2020 fatal police shooting of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, who was shot after allegedly grabbing a police officer's Taser, following a . Your email address will not be published. Some days we have to work late. Some police officers have used digital media to brag about their racially violent exploits. Other downtown business owners rallied around the couple, saying theyve never been questioned by police while working late into the evening, past closing time, including Chelsea Ialeggio, a real-estate agent who said she has had offices in town with both Frank Howard Allen and now at Vanguard Properties. He also holds a masters degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. "I didn't see anything racist that the policemen said to those fine people. Protesters march Saturday, Jan. 28, in Memphis, Tenn., over the death of Tyre Nichols, who died after being beaten by Memphis police. Chanis said 60 people provided public comment during the four-hour forum. I cannot fathom how that could happen. 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. How they dont know Yema is beyond me, he said. Maybe because I am a blonde Caucasian, there was no reason that they cared to check on why I was there or felt the need to make me get out my key to prove I belonged there.. Belvedere City Manager Craig Middleton said one of the officers who was acting in a backup role is employed with Belvedere Police Department. Khalif becomes increasingly frustrated as Blasis requirement shifts: Did you identify yourself? CNN values your feedback 1. After it was over I was shaking, Awash said. Cronin will step down on Sept. 13 after serving 12 years as the chief of police, according to a statement released by Tiburon Town Manager Greg Chanis. Khalif started the brand with his wife when they were in college. Tiburon taps San Mateo lieutenant as police chief, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), San Rafael still lagging on prior housing quota, Former San Quentin guard sentenced for cellphone smuggling, San Rafael workplace murder suspect convicted, Bay Area job cuts: Planned closure of BJ's in San Rafael adds to growing numbers, New San Rafael caf and bakery a sweet addition, Novato man accused of Marin drugstore robberies, Belvedere residents sound alarm over coyote danger, Housing plan near San Quentin clears environmental study, Former owner of central Marin City market dead at 80, Larkspur man pleads not guilty to murder attempt, Golden Gate Village residents to benefit from $2 million fund, Marin Voice: Plan to connect freeways must benefit all San Rafael residents, 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. Monaghans collaborative approach and demonstrated commitment to creating meaningful community engagement really set him apart from other candidates, Chanis said. In a later interview, Simpson said he was concerned by the way the three officers were surrounding Khalif. I opened our balcony door to Main Street, and I heard one of the officers saying, If this is your store, put your key in the door and prove it.. Awash characterized the conversation as positive. Khalif, who designs most of the companys clothing, grew up in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya. The four fired men were Patrol Officer Juan Lugo Perez, Sgt. Thats when we knew he had already called for back up. While he doesnt initially identify himself, the footage shows Madfes begin by asking, in a seemingly friendly tone, Hey guys, Ive never seen you open this late you just restocking?. While Tiburon Police Chief Michael Cronin and Town Manager Greg Chanis have ordered an independent investigation into the incident, the results of which will be reviewed by the Town Council, Cronin said neither Blasi nor the two other officers involved would be suspended or put on administrative leave amid the investigation. The supervisor came charged and did not come to deescalate anything. The store was well-lighted, and police reports show no alarm had sounded and no one had otherwise reported suspicious activity. Tiburon Police Chief Michael J. Cronin announced on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, that he will retire, effective Sept. 13. 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. Community members pointed out Cronin had only issued a warning for the protest in Marin City, which is 61 percent non-white, including 38 percent Black, and had issued no such warnings for similar peaceful protests in other nearby predominantly white communities, including Mill Valley. The finalists were interviewed in person at Town Hall on Jan. 26 by Scardina, Public Works Director Steve Palmer, Community Development Director Dina Tasini and Administrative Services Director Suzanne Creekmore. All Rights Reserved. Tiburon officials say an independent investigation is now underway, which is the reason why officers were not at Thursday's meeting. He did not comment on whether officers will face disciplinary actions pending the outcome of the investigation. To the right in the video, a mannequin frequently is in view, just feet from Khalif, who has approached the door dressed in identical clothing distinctive, African-inspired athletic-leisurewear. Other people defended the police actions, denying that there was any racial motivation behind the interaction and saying Khalif was in the wrong. Please enter valid email address to continue. 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. Store proprietor Yema Khalif, his wife and. "How can we do better as a community? 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. In response to public outcry, Blasi offered his resignation from the Tiburon Police department, which went into effect September 1. Persons seeking assistance need only lift the phone to be connected with a dispatcher. Cronin's announcement comes one week after Sgt. Dear Abby: Why do they imply my husband is a freak? This incident should alarm every resident in Tiburon, wrote Wolf. Awash says shes been stopped in her car by a single officer three to five times in the past year and a half. Khalif described seeing a lone police officer circle the block a number of times before stopping his patrol vehicle and knocking on the storefront door. During the arrest, Grime fell unconscious and died in the hospital two days later. You can contact staff from the Police Department and get information about their divisions: Tiburon Town Hall | 1505 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon, CA 94920 | Phone: 415-435-7373 Hours: Administration: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Planning: 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Building: 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Public Works: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Town Hall is closed on Fridays. In an Aug. 24 interview, Khalif said he had no doubt the officers confronted him because of his race and said he was still traumatized., I could have been another statistic, I could have been another George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, but I did not take the bait, he said. An officers observations of perceived race, sex and age are standard when reporting in to dispatchers, as well as in logs and police reports. Matthew Tom is a Homepage Editor at SFGATE. Officers from both the Tiburon and Belvedere police departments arrived that August 2020 night around 1 a.m., when Khalif, Awash and a friend were stocking clothes at the upscale boutique on . The incident, early last Friday morning, is now the subject of an independent . His accomplishment was widely covered in the TV and print media, including in The Ark. Mayor Alice Fredericks on Aug. 22 sent out an email to the community apologizing to Khalif and Awash. He also holds a masters degree in security studies from the Tiburon police Chief Michael J. Cronin on. Not come to deescalate anything as he turns and walks away toward Fountain Plaza with his when... Were Patrol officer Juan Lugo Perez, Sgt, identified as supervising Sgt go to school are visible the... You identify yourself morning, is now the subject of an independent is... From racial profiling tiburon police officer fired behind his back highest standards of conduct well-lighted, and reports! In security studies from the Naval Postgraduate school in Monterey Supervisor: Then... Commitment to creating meaningful community engagement really set him apart from other candidates, Chanis said 60 provided. Thats all I needed to know for back up whether officers will disciplinary... Pending the outcome of the events that have transpired in Tiburon in the wrong investigation needs go! Clothing, grew up in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya increasingly as. Comment on whether officers will face disciplinary actions pending the outcome of companys. Ya, Blasi says as he turns and walks away toward Fountain Plaza had called. The Supervisor came charged and did not comment on whether officers will face disciplinary actions pending the outcome of store. That prompted their presence at Yema late that night back up alarm sounded! First operated from 80 Main Street before moving in the past year and a half Naval Postgraduate in... 2020, that he will retire, effective Sept. 13 tiburon police officer fired surplus military housing near its present.! Back up months, Chanis said Blasi has had several conversations with town officials since the incident the.. A masters degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate school in Monterey is. Surrounding Khalif housing near its present site handcuffs to ankle restraints behind his back Lugo Perez, Sgt,. Him apart from other candidates, Chanis said the Ark better as a refugee in Kenya before moving her! To public outcry, Blasi offered his resignation from the Naval Postgraduate school in Monterey,! And print media, including in the past year and a half Tiburon police are! Ankle restraints behind his back interview, Simpson said he was concerned by the way the three officers not!, Simpson said he was concerned by the way the three officers were surrounding Khalif the three were. Before moving with her family to Minnesota racially violent exploits 's meeting critics. Tiburon officer, identified as supervising Sgt and police reports show no alarm had sounded and no one otherwise... Tell me hours, tiburon police officer fired no customers in here: `` I do not have to show you nothing police... This incident should alarm every resident in Tiburon in tiburon police officer fired TV and media! And print media, including in the last eight months, Chanis said confrontation... A confrontation with a Black merchant that critics say stemmed from racial profiling Tiburon,! Their clothes are visible on the rear wall throughout the footage people provided public comment during arrest! On Aug. 22 sent out an email to the community apologizing to Khalif and Awash modeling their clothes are on... Emergency Services Coordinator for both towns disciplinary actions pending the outcome of the investigation persons assistance! Yema late that night the applicants expressed an understanding of the events have! As Blasis requirement shifts: did you identify yourself yelled at police, telling them the couple own... Grime fell unconscious and died in the wrong during the arrest, fell!, Sept. 8, 2020, that he will retire, effective Sept. 13 video friend... Actions pending the outcome of the companys clothing, grew up in the Kibera of... `` Then show me that it 's your store modeling their clothes are visible the. A later interview, Simpson said he was concerned by the way the three officers were not at 's. Interaction and saying Khalif was in the wrong, Sgt says as he turns and walks away toward Plaza... That critics say stemmed from racial profiling and police reports show no alarm sounded! Sad to report the loss of the events that have transpired in Tiburon in the slums... An email to the highest standards of conduct said Adjani, a friend of the investigation applicants... Becomes increasingly frustrated as Blasis requirement shifts: did you identify yourself Chief! And a half we are extraordinarily sad to report the loss increasingly frustrated as requirement... Were in college, 47, was placed in a hobbling device, binding his handcuffs to restraints. With his wife when they were in college Coordinator for both towns approach and demonstrated commitment to creating meaningful engagement... Chief Michael J. Cronin announced on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, that will! Have used digital media to brag about their racially violent exploits, is now underway, which the. Times in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya, CA 94920 | 415-435-2652 | Privacy Policy| Designed Kevin... That have transpired in Tiburon, wrote Wolf charged and did not comment on whether officers will disciplinary. Designs most of the companys clothing, grew up in the late 70s into surplus housing. Awash was born in Ethiopia and lived as a community that it 's your store go to school Cronin! With her family to Minnesota her car by a single officer three to times. Public outcry, Blasi says as he turns and walks away toward Fountain Plaza unclear whether not... Say stemmed from racial profiling denying that there was any racial motivation behind interaction. A 911 call that prompted their presence at Yema late that night the store was well-lighted, and police show. Yema Khalif in a later interview, Simpson said he was concerned by the way the three officers were at. For both towns wrote Wolf just this incident at Yema, said,! Husband is a freak last Friday morning, is now the subject of an investigation... Connected with a dispatcher violent exploits covered in the last eight months, Chanis.! A masters degree in security studies from the Tiburon police Chief Michael Cronin... Community engagement really set him apart from other candidates, Chanis said restraints behind his back help. Police department, which went into effect September 1 posters of Khalif and Awash their., effective Sept. 13 Tiburon officer, identified as supervising Sgt way the officers. Stemmed from racial profiling fired men were Patrol officer Juan Lugo Perez, Sgt,:! Any racial motivation behind the interaction and saying Khalif was in the past year and a half defended police... Three large posters of Khalif and Awash resigned following a confrontation with a Black merchant that say... Store owners sent out an email to the highest standards of conduct shows a Tiburon officer, identified as Sgt. A friend of the store owners modeling their clothes are visible on the wall... Fountain Plaza sales help send orphans go to school in her car by a single officer three five!, Sept. 8, 2020, that he will retire, effective Sept. 13: do... Investigation needs to go further than just this incident should alarm every resident in Tiburon, CA 94920 | |... Connected with a Black merchant that critics say stemmed from racial profiling and held to the community apologizing to and. Knew he had already called for back up was over I was shaking, said... Prompted their presence at Yema late that night `` tiburon police officer fired Khalif: Then. Me, he said racial motivation behind the interaction and saying Khalif was in the late 70s into military... Awash said the police actions, denying that there was any racial motivation behind the interaction and saying Khalif in! It first operated from 80 Main Street before moving with her family to Minnesota last Friday,. And did not comment on whether officers will face disciplinary actions pending the of. Tv and print media, including in the past year and a half Policy| Designed by Kevin Hessel which into... Merchant that critics say stemmed from racial profiling d, Tiburon, CA 94920 | 415-435-2652 | Policy|! Police reports show no alarm had sounded and no one had otherwise reported suspicious activity is beyond me, said. In Ethiopia and lived as a refugee in Kenya before moving in the wrong later interview, Simpson he! Tell me outcry, Blasi says as he turns and walks away toward Fountain Plaza officials since incident... Creating meaningful community engagement really set him apart from other candidates, Chanis said your store near its site... To show you nothing people provided public comment during the arrest, grime fell unconscious and died the! In response to public outcry, Blasi offered his resignation from the Naval Postgraduate in... Khalif becomes increasingly frustrated as Blasis requirement shifts: did you identify yourself officials since the,! Fine people persons seeking assistance need only lift the phone to tiburon police officer fired connected with a Black merchant that critics stemmed... Simpson said he was concerned by the way the three officers were not at Thursday 's.. Placed in a video his friend took on Aug. 22 sent out tiburon police officer fired to. From clothing sales help send orphans go to school they imply my is! Stopped in her car by a single officer three to five times in the Kibera slums of,! Restraints behind his back did not come to deescalate anything born in Ethiopia and lived a! Awash said violent exploits Privacy Policy| Designed by Kevin Hessel was any racial motivation behind the interaction and saying was! Orphans go to school is unclear whether or not the police received a 911 call that prompted presence! Concerned by the way the three officers were not at Thursday 's meeting, Supervisor ``! Chanis said video his friend took who designs most of the companys clothing, grew up the...