Brian Encinia is an ex-state trooper in Texas. Bland is heard on the video crying and in distress as she repeatedly tells officers that they were hurting her and that she couldn't hear after being slammed into the ground. I didnt know if a crime was being committed, had been committed or whatnot, said the trooper. "I'm angry. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Blands death drew outrage from people concerned with police violence against Black Americans. Both incriminating details were removed from Kelleys incident report before it was officially filed, the officer says. Trooper Encinia said that he was genuinely concerned that something was going on with the violator because of the behavior that she was displaying. The claim that Bland was dead in her mugshot has proved popular on social media. The second interview was done on Feb. 22, 2016, after he was indicted by a Waller County grand jury on a perjury charge. 6 Things We Know About Brian Encinia, The Texas Trooper Who Arrested Sandra Bland. He completed his education at Texas A&M University. Page Six reported Friday that the former president "now has a regular gig" as a DJ at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. For now, he remains employed by the . I talked to one of Sandra Bland's sisters, Sharon Cooper, about the significance of . When the California legislature considered a bill in 2015 that would have required the office of the attorney general, who was Harris at the time, to appoint a special prosecutor to examine deadly police shootings, Harris told the San Francisco Chronicle: I dont think it would be good public policy to take the discretion from elected district attorneys.. Othersquestioned how a routine traffic stop could have escalated to an assault charge. Amplifying Black voices through news that matters. Thats not true, and dashcam video proves itbut everyone from the cops to Mayor Rahm Emanuels office to then-prosecutor Anita Alvarez toed the official line until a judge forced the city to release the video. 20102021 I spoke with Trooper Encinia and explained in great detail the importance of following the seven step violator contact. A Waller County judge is expected to issue an arrest warrant for Encinia in the coming days. Needham said that it's a start, but deaths of Blacks caused by police continue. I do believe however that Trooper Encinias adrenaline level was very high at that time and that he was very emotional after just getting attacked by the violator. DPS says it is to prevent release of sensitive security information about the jail. 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. How rich is Brian Encinia in 2020-2021? Regardless of the situation, the DPS state trooper has an obligation to exhibit professionalism and be courteous, said DPS Director Steve McCraw. When speaking with Trooper Encinia about this he said that he had no intentions of being rude. 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. Encinia wrote in his affidavit that he had Bland exit the vehicle and handcuffed her after she became combative, and that she swung her elbows at him and kicked him in his right shin. My safety was in jeopardy at more than one time, said Encinia, during an interview by the agencys Office of Inspector General, when asked if he was scared during the traffic stop. The defense team for Brian Encinia, the then-DPS trooper who arrested Sandra Bland, may ask for the trial to be moved outside Waller County. Encinia was eventually charged, but only with perjury a decision that sparked further outrage. His attorney did not return our call. Trooper Encinia did not follow the seven step violator contact by not telling the violator what action that he was going to take. Sandra Bland's own video of traffic stop surfaces, Cellphone video recorded by Sandra Bland, a black woman found dead in a Texas jail following a 2015 traffic stop, shows for the first time her perspective as a white state trooper points his stun gun at her while ordering her out of her car. 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. after she refuses to get out of her car. 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. Who is graffitiing I was raped, I am OK in ATX? Former congressman Beto ORourke (D-Tex.) 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. If convicted, Encinia could face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Police said Bland died by suicide in her jail cell . Minnesota Derek Chauvin/Place of birth. In a newly released DPS use of force reportfrom the arrest, Encinias supervisor says the trooper was rude when he addressed Bland. 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. Trooper Encinia responded with an inappropriate comment by saying good. Menu. Encinia's future seems up in the air, and as developments in the case proceed over the next few years, it's possible that he could still face criminal charges. Does Chauvin have a wife? Thank you for supporting our journalism. The 28-year-old black woman was pulled over by a Texas state trooper in July 2015 after failing to signal a lane change. . July 17, 2014 By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our And he was met with applause last month while speaking at a convention of the National Action Network, founded by the Rev. All we know is that he is not active on any social media platforms. 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 . Id like to see candidates continue to take the right stances, even if they are difficult, she said. Nationwide tensions over the deathsof Black Americans in police custody particularly at traffic stopsandevidence that law enforcement officialsedited several segments from the dashcam videoalso heightened skepticism. Bland was pulled over for a minor traffic violation on July 10 by State Trooper Brian Encinia. White males accounted for 44 percent of all fatal police shootings, and Hispanic males accounted for 18 percent.. How many more videos do we have to see before law enforcement does something. Bland, 28, was found hanged in her Waller County jail cell several days later, sparking allegations of foul play and a nationwide debate about the treatment of black citizens in police custody. This article was published more than3 years ago. Thats not always easy. Hours after the indictment, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced that Encinia would be fired from his post, reports the New York Times. Now.". Celeb News; Actor; Actress; Web Stars; . "This case now represents much more than Brian Encinia," Lewis said. Encinia had claimed in an affidavit that Bland was combative and uncooperative, which grand jurors determined to be untrue. 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. Sign up now to learn about . He told me it wouldnt be good for my career, Kelley told McLaughlin, adding that Assistant District Attorney Warren Diepraam also threatened to put him beneath the jail if he went public with his story. He might be in the clear currently, but where is Brian Encinia now? "When the incident happened with George Floyd, it broke me down. 2005-2022 Community Impact Newspaper Co. All rights reserved. The second interview was done on Feb. 22, In a newly released DPS use of force report, Click here to read Sandra Bland Death Investigation, Windshield covers and other handy gear you need for, 18 trendy cowboy boots to wear this winter, 18 books youll want to read on Dr. Seuss Day, Texas House unveils economy, workforce priorities. He has 15 days . For many Black Americans, these deaths and others have caused lasting trauma. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The decision to fire Brian Encinia, the Texas state trooper who arrested Sandra Bland, was upheld by the Texas Department of Public Safety, a news release says. What happened to State Trooper Brian Encinia? Brian Encinia given written counseling while a probationary trooper Texas officials say Encinia violated internal policies during traffic stop The boots of Texas Department of Public Safety. Academy Award-nominated actor Brian Tyree Henry talks about being nominated for an oscar award. Bland was found three days after her arrest hanged with a plastic bag in her cell. We do not know exactly where he is right now in 2020. Texas Department of Public Safety released a statement, visiting criminal law scholar at the University of Houston. This decision does not mean that Encinia will not face criminal charges. President Trump has largely defended law enforcement officers since launching his campaign. ABC7 Chicago says farewell to Meteorologist Phil Schwarz, Arrest warrant issued for top NFL Draft prospect Jalen Carter, How officials cracked case of eyedrops that blinded people. 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. But for black women like me, her presence is everywhere. June 28, 2017. A dozen officers in New York City sued the NYPD last year alleging that they have faced retaliation from supervisors for trying to expose the continued use of quotas in the city despite department officials claims to have reformed those rules. Who was the Texas state trooper that pulled over Sandra Bland? how to get to quezon avenue mrt station Uncovering hot babes since 1919. Top Stories. Brian Encinia, the Texas trooper who arrested Sandra Bland, had been warned about "unprofessional conduct" in 2014, according to documents obtained by the . "But I pray for them and I just pray for better days for America because America is messed up right now.". 2020. 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. The four Minneapolis police officers involved in Floyd's death were fired and are awaiting trial. A pair of officers in Chicago who helped federal officials catch a network of corrupt and abusive cops operating in one of the citys housing projects later said in December that they had been retaliated against by colleagues. 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. Kelleys claims that he tried to expose misconduct in Blands case stand out as unusual. It also requires an independent investigation into jail deaths. It gives Democrats an opportunity to make this one of their marquee issues. The new video from Sandra Bland's vantage point shows former Texas State Trooper Brian Encinia pulling a taser on her as she sat in the . He got recognition from people after he arrested Sandra Bland who was hanged three days after this arrest. Waller County District Judge Albert . "When these kinds of things continue to occur, it's very very hard for families to heal, for the world to heal. 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. More: George Floyd. | In the preliminary review of the traffic stop that occurred in Prairie View on July 10, 2015, involving Sandra Bland, we have identified violations of the departments procedures regarding traffic stops and the departments courtesy policy. (Designed by Jos Dennis/Community Impact Newspaper). Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search.