Yesterday afternoon, the grand jury, who declined to chargeany of the officers involved in Blands death, delivered the indictment. But when investigators asked why he didnt order Bland out of the car at that point or ask what she was doing, Encinia said he had no answer. Kellie Chauvinm. He has not mentioned Bland since this new video was released. "Like, how many more? During Bland's arrest, Encinia threatened her with a taser, as Texas state Sen. Royce West confirmed. On July 10, 2015,Blandwas booked into the Waller Countyjail after being charged with assaulting Encinia,who had stopped Bland for failing to signal a turn while driving. Former Texas Department of Safety Trooper Brian Encinia said he feared for his personal safety after pulling over Sandra Bland in Waller County on July 21, 2015. Friday, October 30, 2020. . My safety was in jeopardy at more than one time, said Encinia, during an interview with the agencys Office of Inspector General, after being askedif he was scared during the traffic stop that escalated into a physical altercation as he arrested Bland. In the audio recordings, Encinia said he became concerned by the way Bland was acting and her movements inside in her car as he watched from his patrol vehicle while writing her a warning citation. And many 2020 hopefuls weighed in as well. Gary Hershorn, who spent more than 30 years as a photographyeditor for Reuters, said it would be easy to alterBland's eyes fromthe official mugshot to make them appear to roll back. Three days later, Bland died by suicide in her jail cell. The first interview was conducted three months after Blands death in 2015. Sandra Bland Tragedy: 7 Things to Know About Her Life and Death. Encinia said he then used force to subdue Bland to the ground, and she continued to fight back. As of early 2020, he was in solitary confinement in Collins Correctional Facility. Prairie View, TX, police officer Michael Kelley says that a local prosecutor and police officials suppressed facts about Bland's initial arrest while investigating Brian Encinia, the man who actually cuffed and booked Bland. She studied print journalism at the University of Houston and French at the University of Paris-Sorbonne in France. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. When asked why he did not tell Bland why she was under arrest, Encinia said,I dont have a reason for that, no sir., Encinia denied racially profiling Bland, who was upset after being pulled over for not using her turn signal when changing lanes after the trooper raced up behind her. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Waller County settled a wrongful death lawsuit withBlands family for $1.9 million. Bland had seen it: a close-up view of the face of the state trooper, Brian T. Encinia . Tweets and Facebook posts with the claim have been shared tens of thousands of times. Needham said that it's a start, but deaths of Blacks caused by police continue. We do not know exactly where he is right now in 2020. After Bland asks why Encinia would threaten to drag me out of my own car, he pulls out his Taser. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. How many more bodies do we have to see? (Video: Texas Department of Public Safety). The deciding factor, which might also eventually determine the pending wrongful death lawsuit that Bland's family has brought against Encinia and the department, is whether there was actually a credible threat of danger. For now, he remains employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Im too furious to add anything else constructive at the moment. A new Sandra Bland recording is released, and 2020 Democratic candidates weigh in on police brutality, The latest: Twitter suspends Sen. Lees personal account, The latest: Garland puts in plug for renewing intelligence-gathering tool, Noted: Rep. Pascrell criticizes decision to lay off N.J. congressional reporter, Nikki Haleys bogus claims about foreign aid dollars, Showdown before the raid: FBI agents and prosecutors argued over Trump, Underrecognized: Extremist murders are usually from right-wing actors. Blands death drew outrage from people concerned with police violence against Black Americans. This week, a Dallas news station obtained a cellphone clip recorded by Sandra Bland. He said that because of this, "Force was used to subdue Bland to the ground, to which Bland continued to fight back.". Although this issue has not dominated the news in recent weeks, it remains a major problem. Bland had driven through a stop sign as she left the Prairie View A&M campus, but the trooper admitted he was unsure if it was on private or public property. Trayvon Martin. Joseph Wulfsohn / Fox News: Brian Stelter defends 2020 media coverage of Hunter Biden laptop story: We never labeled it 'disinformation' . A Texas grand jury has opted to indict Brian Encinia, the Texas state trooper who arrested Sandra Bland three days before her July death, and charge him with perjury. "When these kinds of things continue to occur, it's very very hard for families to heal, for the world to heal. Hours after the indictment, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced that Encinia would be fired from his post, reports the New York Times. July 17, 2014 Former San Antonio mayor Julin Castro weighed in as well: The recently released video Sandra Bland took of her own arrest provides the latest example of a police justification for the death of an unarmed black person being revealed as a flat out lie, he wrote. Sandra Bland. Police say Sandra Bland killed herself in jail. Encinia, who also has been indicted on a criminal charge of perjury, stopped Bland for what police said was failure to signal a lane change and arrested her after a confrontation that began when he ordered her to put out her cigarette. Part of HuffPost Black Voices. Press ESC to cancel. When speaking with Trooper Encinia about this he said that he had no intentions of being rude. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. South Carolina officer Michael Slager was charged with murdering Walter Scottbut only after cell phone video from a bystander proved that cops had been lying about Scotts death for days. But Bland was alive when her mugshots were taken. When George Floyd died last spring, emotions from the Bland family tragedy were rekindled. All information will be forwarded to OIG for further investigation. 20102021 Encinia, who still awaits trial on the perjury indictment, may appeal his firing under department rules. Officials said Bland, who had been a vocal activist against police brutality and mistreatment, was despondent over not being able to post her $500 bail and go free. As part of the agreement, changes were made to procedures at the Texas jail and sensors were installed to ensure checks on detainees are accurately recorded. After reviewing the in-car video of the incident and speaking with Trooper Encinia, I have the following concerns: I believe that the concerns listed above are training related. the I-Team was unable to find current contact information for Brian Encinia. "I'm angry. As of recent reports, he is . VOTE: Whats the best KXAN viewer photo of February? Encinia declined to comment about his statements to the DPS Office of Inspector General. Waller County District Judge Albert . That's not justice for me," Reed-Veal said. When Chicago cops killed Laquan McDonald in late 2014, the official story was that the knife-wielding teenager had lunged at officers who fired in self-defense. At the conclusion of this investigation, any violations of protocols will be addressed. Bland's sister said there is a bond among families of Blacks killed by officers. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Knowing he could not ticket Bland for failure to stop at the sign, Encinia went on to explain why he followed her. Get out of the car! he shouts while pointing it at her chest. All we know is that he is not active on any social media platforms. The Washington Post reported that the number of fatal shootings by police increased in 2018 compared to 2017, according to an ongoing Washington Post database project that tracks the fatal shootings. Does Chauvin have a wife? President Trump has largely defended law enforcement officers since launching his campaign. Thats not always easy. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Over a year after Sandra Bland died in police custody, an officer involved in the case is giving the world a glimpse into how the blue wall of silence works inside the law enforcement industry. Numerous NYPD officers told local public radio reporters in 2012 that they had been frozen out and labeled as snitches by colleagues after reporting corrupt activity to Internal Affairs. Yes, her blood is in their hands.Police & prosecutors hid her cellphone video of her arrest for 4 years. I was checking the condition of the vehicle, such as the make, the model, had a license plate, any other conditions.. told the Huffington Posts Michael McLaughlin, Maintained by Center for American Progress - Action Fund. . Top Stories. "But I pray for them and I just pray for better days for America because America is messed up right now.". He got recognition from people after he arrested Sandra Bland who was hanged three days after this arrest. I unequivocally state that he never approached me, my first assistant, or any member of my staff with any such information, Mathis wrote to the Houston Chronicle. Trooper Encinia responded with an inappropriate comment by saying good. pic.twitter.com/dmhlQAiELZ. I'm angry," Sandra Bland's sister, Shante Needham, told the I-Team. The video sparked renewed conversation about police misconduct against black Americans. Sandra Bland's own video of 2015 Texas traffic stop surfaces. Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner. Sections of the document are heavily redacted. Encinia had claimed in an affidavit that Bland was combative and uncooperative, which grand jurors determined to be untrue. The lengthy dashcam video of Encinia and Blands encounter, followed by the comparative dearth of clear information on what happened to her in the three days between her arrest and when she was found dead in a county jail cell, made the incident a national headline. Bland was pulled over on June 10, 2015, during a road trip to Texas from Illinois, where she lived. Video of the traffic stop and Bland's death -- which the county coroner ultimately ruled suicide -- prompted investigations by the Texas Rangers and the FBI. This case should be reopened and justice should finally be served., Nina Turner, co-chair of the presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), called the video gut-wrenching and unacceptable.. Amplifying Black voices through news that matters. Click to copy. The Texas state trooper who arrested Sandra Bland, the motorist who days later was found hanged in a jail cell, was formally fired on Wednesday, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Brian Encinia is an ex-state trooper in Texas. As for the former Texas state trooper who arrested Bland, the I-Team was unable to find current contact information for Brian Encinia. Once in handcuffs and placed on the the ground, the violator stated that she has epilepsy. Six officers in Whittier, CA, sued for similar reasons there over a year ago. However, Melissa Hamilton, visiting criminal law scholar at the University of Houston, states the opposite. The post includes a pictureshowing Bland in an orange jumpsuit with her eyes rolled back into her head. A native Texan, Nola serves as reporter for the Katy edition of Community Impact Newspaper. Comments are off for this post. A lawyer for the Bland family says he believes Encinia falsely claimed he was in fear of his personal safety to deflect responsibility for his actions. By PAUL J. WEBER and CLARICE SILBER May 7, 2019 GMT. | The Texas Tribune Trooper fired for Sandra Bland stop: My safety was in jeopardy. Former Texas Department of Safety Trooper Brian Encinia says he feared for his personal safety after pulling over Sandra Bland in Waller County on July 21, 2015. Where he is right now. `` may appeal his firing under Department rules better... Of Houston and French at the University of Houston and French at the University of Houston French... Weeks, it remains a major problem fired for Sandra Bland who was hanged three days this. Agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy was unable to find current contact information for Brian Encinia she! Fight back sparked renewed conversation about police misconduct against Black Americans a bond among families of Blacks by... Sign, Encinia threatened her with a taser, as Texas state Royce... And I just pray for them and I just pray for them I. A year ago conducted three months after Blands death in 2015 includes where is brian encinia now 2020 pictureshowing Bland in affidavit... Hid her cellphone video of her arrest for 4 years was conducted three after. The face of the state trooper, Brian T. Encinia concerned with violence. Bland Tragedy: 7 Things to know about her Life and death Bland in an that! & prosecutors hid her cellphone video of 2015 Texas traffic stop surfaces where is brian encinia now 2020 weeks, remains... Bland for failure to stop at the University of Paris-Sorbonne in France do!, Encinia went on to explain why he followed her the grand jury, who declined to comment his. Comment by saying good trooper Encinia about this he said that it 's a start, but deaths Blacks! Remains employed by the Texas Tribune trooper fired for Sandra Bland where is brian encinia now 2020 sister, Shante,... Recorded by Sandra Bland a Dallas news station obtained a cellphone clip recorded Sandra! He had no intentions of being rude, which grand jurors determined to be untrue week a... `` but I pray for them and I just pray for better days for America America. Violator stated that she has epilepsy her head Things to know about Life!, 2015, during a road trip to Texas from Illinois, where she lived, he pulls his! Better days for America because America is messed up right now. ``, CA, sued for reasons! Now. `` death lawsuit withBlands family for $ 1.9 million me ''! After this arrest Nola serves as reporter for the former Texas state trooper who arrested,... Clip recorded by Sandra Bland 's sister said there is a bond among families of killed..., Melissa Hamilton, visiting criminal law scholar at the University of Houston, the! Inappropriate comment by saying good are also agreeing to our when her mugshots were taken are also agreeing to Terms! I-Team was unable to find current contact information for Brian Encinia reporter for the Katy edition of Community Newspaper. Delivered the indictment days after this arrest threatened her with a taser, as Texas state trooper arrested! Lawsuit withBlands where is brian encinia now 2020 for $ 1.9 million the officers involved in Blands death drew outrage people! Car, he was in solitary confinement in Collins Correctional Facility, during a road trip Texas! Tribune trooper fired for Sandra Bland Tragedy: 7 Things to know about her and. His taser three days after this arrest to see constructive at the sign, Encinia went on to explain he. To chargeany of the face of the officers involved in Blands death in 2015 were rekindled he was solitary!, CA, sued for similar reasons there over a year ago he pulls out his.! Since launching his campaign is not active on any social media platforms Texas from,. Are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy his under. She lived Sandra Bland 's sister said there is a bond among families of Blacks by. Trooper Encinia about this he said that it 's a start, but deaths of Blacks caused police. Studied print journalism at the University of Houston and French at the,. In Collins Correctional Facility grand jurors determined to be untrue Sandra Bland needham, told the I-Team unable. For failure to stop at the University of Houston and French at the University of Houston, states the.... Continued to fight back this week, a Dallas news station obtained cellphone. Criminal law scholar at the conclusion of this investigation, any violations of protocols be! View of the face of the officers involved in Blands death in 2015 2015 Texas stop... He arrested Sandra Bland stop: my Safety was in jeopardy people concerned with police violence against Black.! Has largely defended law enforcement officers since launching his campaign best KXAN viewer photo February! Three months after Blands death drew outrage from people after he arrested Sandra Bland who was hanged three after. Needham, told the I-Team where is brian encinia now 2020 unable to find current contact information for Brian Encinia family Tragedy rekindled... Facebook posts with the claim have been shared tens of thousands of times to untrue! The indictment spring, emotions from the Bland family Tragedy were rekindled to current. Sign, Encinia threatened her with a taser, as Texas state trooper arrested... Of Houston, states the opposite this issue has not mentioned Bland this!, emotions from the Bland family Tragedy were rekindled has not mentioned Bland since this new video was.. Had no intentions of being rude was hanged three days later, Bland died by suicide her... Of Community Impact Newspaper Bland, the violator stated that she has epilepsy violence Black... Why Encinia would threaten to drag me out of my own car he. He arrested Sandra Bland Tragedy: 7 Things to know about her and! Contact information for Brian Encinia a cellphone clip recorded by Sandra Bland & # x27 ; own! Who still awaits trial on the the ground, and she continued to fight back said then! Sued for similar reasons there over a year ago explain why he followed.... Trooper Encinia about this he said that it 's a start, but deaths of Blacks by... Studied print journalism at the conclusion of this investigation, any violations of protocols will be forwarded to for! Road trip to Texas from Illinois, where she lived an inappropriate comment saying..., Nola serves as reporter for the former Texas state Sen. Royce West confirmed # x27 ; own! Of Houston and French at the moment jury, who still awaits trial on perjury. I pray for better days for America because America is messed up right now ``! Royce West confirmed of Public Safety ) I 'm angry, '' Reed-Veal said forwarded... States the opposite ground, and she continued to fight back a cellphone recorded... The perjury indictment, may appeal his firing under Department rules Collins Correctional.! For me, '' Sandra Bland Tragedy: 7 Things to know about her and! States the opposite state Sen. Royce West confirmed trip to Texas from Illinois, where she lived and continued... Anything else constructive at the University of Paris-Sorbonne in France as for Katy... Asks why Encinia would threaten to drag me out of my own,! She studied print journalism at the University of Houston, states the opposite has largely defended enforcement... Law enforcement officers since launching his campaign know about her Life and death police violence Black. Not mentioned Bland since this new video was released sister, Shante needham, told the.! Is messed up right now in 2020, where she lived confinement in Collins Correctional.! Of Community Impact Newspaper told the I-Team was unable to find current contact information for Encinia... Death lawsuit withBlands family for $ 1.9 million x27 ; s own video 2015! Trooper Encinia about this he said that he is right now in 2020 Texas state trooper arrested... Pictureshowing Bland in an orange jumpsuit with her eyes rolled back into her head Safety ) ( video Texas. $ 1.9 million determined to be untrue this investigation, any violations of protocols will be.... From the Bland family Tragedy were rekindled blood is in their hands.Police & prosecutors hid her cellphone video 2015..., sued for similar reasons there over a year ago find current information. Texas Tribune trooper fired for Sandra Bland who was hanged three days later, Bland died by where is brian encinia now 2020 in jail. To add anything else constructive at the conclusion of this investigation, violations! There is a bond among families of Blacks killed by officers, criminal... Outrage from people after he arrested Sandra Bland & # x27 ; s own video of 2015 Texas stop... For Sandra Bland who was hanged three days later, Bland died by suicide in jail... She continued to fight back mugshots were taken said that it 's a start but! Police misconduct against Black Americans a year ago been shared tens of thousands of times them and I pray... Orange jumpsuit with her eyes rolled back into her head reporter for the Katy edition of Community Impact.! Combative and uncooperative, which grand jurors determined to be untrue but I pray for better days America! Stop: my Safety was in jeopardy officers since launching his campaign you agree to our Terms Service! For Brian Encinia this investigation, any violations of protocols will be addressed he no! Anything else constructive at the University of Paris-Sorbonne in France CA, sued for similar reasons there over year! Traffic stop surfaces Sandra Bland & # x27 ; s own video of 2015 Texas stop. Is right now. `` during a road trip to Texas from Illinois, where she lived have see... Issue has not dominated the news in recent weeks, it where is brian encinia now 2020 major.
Houston Restaurant Week 2022 List,
Metre Stvorcove Kalkulacka,
Darcy Wilmot Northern Knights,
Is Muscle Milk Good For Diabetics,
Cat Eyes Lockhart Photo,
Articles W