I didnt know if a crime was being committed, had been committed or whatnot, said the trooper. WATCH: Dashcam video of Sandra Bland traffic stop. White males accounted for 44 percent of all fatal police shootings, and Hispanic males accounted for 18 percent.. I knew something was wrong, but I didnt know what was wrong. It's all in the hands of law enforcement.". 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. If her video helps someone get there, all the better. Sandra Bland Tragedy: 7 Things to Know About Her Life and Death. "It is a threat to all police officers in the state of Texas of a runaway grand jury or a rogue prosecutor deciding to . Encinia declined to comment about his statements to the DPS Office of Inspector General. We are all in this together. Blands family said it was never shown the clip and called on Texas officials to reopen a criminal investigation against the arresting officer. He arrested her for assault on a public servant. Trooper Encinia stated that he understood. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. On July 10, 2015, Texas State Trooper Brian Encinia pulls over a 28-year-old Black woman, Sandra Bland, for failing to signal a lane change. What is Trading in Cryptocurrency and Where to Practice It. He said that because of this, "Force was used to subdue Bland to the ground, to which Bland continued to fight back.". The charge the trooper now faces is a Class A misdemeanor. Who is Brian Encinia? DPS fired him in 2016. 2023 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. It also requires an independent investigation into jail deaths. I'm angry," Sandra Bland's sister, Shante Needham, told the I-Team. Once in handcuffs and placed on the the ground, the violator stated that she has epilepsy. On July 10th, 2015, Sandra Bland was pulled over on the outskirts of Houston for failing to signal a lane change. The trooper, Brian T. Encinia, approached Ms. Bland's car, took her information and returned to his vehicle to write out a citation. From hair trends to relationship advice, our daily newsletter has everything you need to sound like a person whos on TikTok, even if you arent. The state Public Safety department moved to fire Encinia after his perjury indictment in January accused him of lying about the confrontation. About now seem to be lining up like the horsemen of the activities that people!, prompting protests altercation between Bland and a former brian encinia now 2020 trooper who responsible! A grand jury declined to charge anyone at the jail in connection to Bland's death. Brian Encinia is an ex-state trooper in Texas. Trooper Brian Encinia was fired after failing to rebut disciplinary charges leveled against him in January, Public Safety Director Steven McCraw wrote in a letter of final termination. And when a grand jury was weighing an indictment against Enciniawho was eventually charged with perjury and fired from the Prairie View forceKelley wanted to testify to what hed seen and heard, but says the prosecutor would not let him. 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. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Both incriminating details were removed from Kelleys incident report before it was officially filed, the officer says. It also shows Bland sitting down for her mugshot and then getting up. (LinkedIn) Trooper Brian Encinia, the officer who stopped 28-year-old Sandra Bland on July 10, 2015, in Waller County, Texas, for failing to properly signal a lane change, has been . The video calls into question the officers account of the event. July 17, 2014 I also advised him to be mindful of comments that may come across as rude when he is dealing with the public. 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. The Texas Department of Public Safety laterfired Encinia for escalating the situation during the traffic stop. Derek Chauvin/Wife. 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. Orta was released in May 2020 and is under court supervision until January 2022. AUSTIN (KXAN) Its dashcam footage that many will never forget and that sparked criticism around the country questioning police use of force. Encinia pulled Bland over on July 10 for failing to use her traffic signal. ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc. His attorney did not return our call. He completed his education at Texas A&M University. The Texas Department of Public Safety recently released its investigation into the death of Sandra Bland in the Waller County jail in 2015. He pled guilty to drug and gun charges in 2016 and received a four-year prison sentence. The Post reported: "While the number of black males armed and unarmed who have been killed has fallen, black males continue to be shot at disproportionately high rates, the data shows. Audio recordings from two separate interviews the DPS Inspector General conducted with Encinia were recently released to KXAN. 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. 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. 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. Comments are off for this post. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. This week, a Dallas news station obtained a cellphone clip recorded by Sandra Bland. "When the incident happened with George Floyd, it broke me down. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms. balked at Encinia's perjury misdemeanor charge. + The Texas Department of Public Safety released a statement announcing that Encinia would be placed on indefinite desk duty for violations of department protocols on July 17, four days after Bland was found dead in her Waller County jail cell. And Kelleys testimony that she had a head wound at the scene might have influenced the grand jury process that ultimately only rung Encinia up on perjury charges. Hours after the indictment, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced that Encinia would be fired from his post, reports the New York Times. Needham said that it's a start, but deaths of Blacks caused by police continue. Im too furious to add anything else constructive at the moment. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Sign Up for Daily News & Breaking News Newsletters, Sign up for Digging Deep: Inside KXAN Investigates newsletter. I dont know what happened, but something did, and to me, that was the reasonable suspicion.. I'm angry that my sister passed five years ago and they are still killing us. Encinia's attorney Larkin Eakin Jr. says that Encinia will appeal the termination. "I'm angry, absolutely. 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. HEMPSTEAD, Texas (AP) A judge dismissed a misdemeanor perjury charge against a fired Texas state trooper Wednesday in a case arising from his 2015 arrest of Sandra Bland, a black woman who was later found dead in a county jail. Waller County District Judge Albert . Knowing he could not ticket Bland for failure to stop at the sign, Encinia went on to explain why he followed her. Who was the Texas state trooper that pulled over Sandra Bland? Bland was detained, and three days later, she was found hanging in her jail cell. Minnesota Derek Chauvin/Place of birth. Get out of the car! he shouts while pointing it at her chest. The four Minneapolis police officers involved in Floyd's death were fired and are awaiting trial. 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. 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. Was Brian Encinia scared during Sandra Bland traffic stop? AFacebook post from June 2020 that is regaining tractionrepeats theclaim that Bland was dead in her mugshotand purports to have photographic evidence. The traffic stop quickly escalated and Bland was arrested. needs room in shelter for parvo treatment, Nurses rally at TX Capitol, ask lawmakers for help, Doctors could get TX license in 10 days or fewer, I was raped, I am OK graffiti sparks controversy, COVID-19 tracker: Cases in the KXAN viewing area, Data tracker: COVID cases, vaccine rates across Texas, Thursdays cold front brings severe risk then strong, Austin musician Ben Kweller announces death of son, The story of 12 students who integrated ATX schools, How to get to Q2 Stadium for 2023 Austin FC season, PHOTOS: Some of Austins most modern homes, Cities offer free tree, brush disposals post-storm, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. He completed his education at Texas A&M University. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. This decision does not mean that Encinia will not face criminal charges. The DA also insinuated Kelley is only trying to distract from his own misdemeanor indictment over using a taser on city councilman Jonathan Miller in 2015. A . Nola was previously a foreign correspondent in Jerusalem, Israel covering Middle East news through an internship with an American news outlet. Waller County settled a wrongful death lawsuit withBlands family for $1.9 million. Geneva Reed-Veal, Bland's mother, balked at Encinia's perjury misdemeanor charge, which carries up to a $4,000 fine and a year in jail. 2020. The claim that Bland was dead in her mugshot has proved popular on social media. In order for families, and the world, to begin to even trust law enforcement, there has to be accountability," she said. For now, he remains employed by the . The footage shows Bland walking back and forth in the jail's entryway. Bland had seen it: a close-up view of the face of the state trooper, Brian T. Encinia . | 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. | The situation had already gotten out of hand by the time the violator found out what she was receiving. "I'm angry. Although Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Cal.) Oct. 13, 2016 Updated: Oct. 13, 2016 3:53 p.m. 21. 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. Sandra Bland's family describes their journey of pain since her death. Although this issue has not dominated the news in recent weeks, it remains a major problem. Encinia said he then used force to subdue Bland to the ground, and she continued to fight back. My primary concern was with that purse, with her console, as far as being any kinds of weapons or drugs or, its unknown to me. In May, the world responded with protests and riots after George Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody. Now, newly released audio recordings show former Texas Department of Safety Trooper Brian Encinia claims he feared for his own personal safety after pulling over Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old black . The confrontation ended with Encinia forcibly arresting Bland. The images aired Monday night marked the first time that most people had seen the traffic encounter as Ms. Encinia's case was dropped in exchange for a promise he would never again work in law enforcement. 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. In the video, officer Brian Encinia shouts: Get out of the car! He might be in the clear currently, but where is Brian Encinia now? The first interview was conducted three months after Blands death in 2015. Sign up now to learn about . The 30-year old Trooper Encinia is now on administrative duty for violating . If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. pic.twitter.com/dmhlQAiELZ. I talked to one of Sandra Bland's sisters, Sharon Cooper, about the significance of . 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. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Trooper Encinia responded with an inappropriate comment by saying good. Sandra Bland/Place of birth. Popular Networth. The story of Sandra Bland, the 28-year-old who was found dead in a Texas jail cell earlier this month, was given . Encinia was eventually charged, but only with perjury a decision that sparked further outrage. Enough is enough," said Needham. The Texas state trooper who stopped Bland, Brian Encinia, was charged with lying to investigators for saying his safety was in jeopardy. I still did have a concern for the area of her control that I didnt know what was there, but I do agree that things couldve been done differently, said Encinia, when asked if he could have de-escalated the situation by telling Bland she was only being given a warning for the traffic violation. The state Public Safety department moved to fire Encinia after his perjury indictment in January accused him of lying about the confrontation. Bystander video shows Bland on the ground after she had been pulled from her car. 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. Brian Encinia, the Texas state trooper who arrested Sandra Bland during a contentious traffic stop, has been indicted on charges of perjury, accused of lying about how he removed . Menu. "That did not happen in this situation. 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. "We all need each other. As of recent reports, he is currently 34 years of age. Now, Bland's family is alleging that the Texas Department of Public Safety . Academy Award-nominated actor Brian Tyree Henry talks about being nominated for an oscar award. The now-fired trooper, Brian Encinia, was indicted on a charge of perjury in January 2016 for allegedly lying in the report he filed after Bland's arrest. Because all I could think about was the knee in my sister's back from Officer Encinia," said Needham. ", Encinia wrote in a report that Bland had become combative and was swinging and kicking at him. Aside from the violated regulations, there is considerable division in the Texas legal community about the legality of Encinia's actions. 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. AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Cellphone video recorded by Sandra Bland, a black woman found dead in a Texas jail following a confrontational 2015 traffic stop, shows for the first time her perspective as a white state trooper draws his stun gun and points it at close range while ordering her out of her car HEMPSTEAD, Texas (AP) A judge dismissed a misdemeanor perjury charge against a fired Texas state trooper Wednesday in a case arising from his 2015 arrest of Sandra Bland, a black woman who was later found dead in a county jail Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. At the time, the police officer who arrested Bland said he feared for his life. Austin Zoning: 5 of 7 positions vacant, director, Wildflower forecast: What to expect in Central Texas, As Bowie archive finds new home at UK museum, start, 5 fun crafts for kids on St. Patricks Day, Inspired by the Iditarod race? "You have to be the best person that you can be, because you don't know who you are going to encounter on that day," said Needham. Five years after Bland's death, accountability in her case is something Sandra's sister says the family still awaits. Sandra Bland. A prosecutor can still go to trial if he or she believes that the evidence is strong enough to warrant one, and there will still be a grand jury regarding the events surrounding the arrest. 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. For many Black Americans, these deaths and others have caused lasting trauma. Diepraams boss, Waller County District Attorney Elton Mathis, denies Kelleys claims. When George Floyd died last spring, emotions from the Bland family tragedy were rekindled. Prairie View, TX, police officer Michael Kelley says that a local prosecutor and police officials suppressed facts about Blands initial arrest while investigating Brian Encinia, the man who actually cuffed and booked Bland. It continues to happen. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, TinEye Reverse Image Search, accessed June 18. . In June 2017, Encinia agreed to a plea deal that dropped his charge; in exchange, he had to agree not to appeal his firing, surrender his police license and never reapply. 20102021 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. AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Cellphone video recorded by Sandra Bland, a black woman found dead in a Texas jail following a confrontational 2015 traffic stop, shows for the first time her perspective as a . Even though trooper Brian Encinia had been on the job for about a year, the records give a glimpse of his background. I think he was fired because of what happened, and I know that the family knows what happened.. We do not know exactly where he is right now in 2020. How many more videos do we have to see before law enforcement does something. 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. Trayvon Martin. Three days later, Bland died by suicide in her jail cell. In a newly released DPS use of force reportfrom the arrest, Encinias supervisor says the trooper was rude when he addressed Bland. The trooper, Brian Encinia, was indicted on a charge of perjury. There is an established pattern of police backing up a colleagues lie for as long as possible, then having their cover-up exposed by video or outside investigations. Bland, 28, was found hanging in her jail cell three days after state trooper Brian Encinia arrested her after a routine traffic stop July 10, 2015. Nation Aug 1, 2015 3:44 PM EST. But for black women like me, her presence is everywhere. On July 17, 2014, Eric Garner was killed in the New York City borough of Staten Island after Daniel Pantaleo, a New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, put him in a prohibited chokehold while arresting him. As USA TODAY reported in 2015, video from the Waller County jail provedBland was alive while her mugshots were taken. Trooper Brian Encinia has been indicted on charges of lying about his arrest of Bland, later found hanged in a jail cell. (May 7), George Floyd. Press ESC to cancel. Where is he now? Regardless of the situation, the DPS state trooper has an obligation to exhibit professionalism and be courteous, said DPS Director Steve McCraw. CapMetro apologizes for post-Austin FC game service, APA! Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. "I'm over it. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The post includes a pictureshowing Bland in an orange jumpsuit with her eyes rolled back into her head. But Encinia said he didnt know what he was arresting Bland for but would come up with something, Kelley says. told the Huffington Posts Michael McLaughlin, Maintained by Center for American Progress - Action Fund. ON NOW. President Trump has largely defended law enforcement officers since launching his campaign. I was checking the condition of the vehicle, such as the make, the model, had a license plate, any other conditions.. Bland was found three days after her arrest hanged with a plastic bag in her cell. 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. Now." After Bland asks why Encinia would "threaten to drag me out of my own car," he pulls out his Taser. Her life mattered. The newly surfaced video begins when the trooper walks back . What happened to State Trooper Brian Encinia? "He got a bogus charge. 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. Thank you for supporting our journalism. Sandra Bland should still be alive. He has not mentioned Bland since this new video was released. "Like, how many more? Top Stories. Uncredited/AP. If convicted of the perjury charge, Encinia could face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. The video sparked renewed conversation about police misconduct against black Americans. Brian Encinia Audio Interview after Bland Death (81 minutes), Brian Encinia Interview after Indictment (24 minutes). Heres How You Can Make A Difference In Honour Of Brianna Ghey, Morgan Doughty Filed A Lawsuit Against The Murdaugh Family, The Woman Nikole Hannah-Jones Credits With Her Career Success, Heres How To Watch The Alex Murdaugh Trial Live, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. Corrections officers in upstate New York were caught lying about the circumstances of inmate Leonard Stricklands death in 2010. Kellie Chauvinm. "In my opinion, Trooper Brian Encinia's actions were the . 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 . subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. 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. Page Six reported Friday that the former president "now has a regular gig" as a DJ at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Im sure many people would rather not bring Sandra Bland back up again. The reporter who had exposed the videos existence was later barred from a press conference with city leaders about the killing. Kelleys claims that he tried to expose misconduct in Blands case stand out as unusual. "When these kinds of things continue to occur, it's very very hard for families to heal, for the world to heal. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The Exit: Teachers Leave. In the video, officer Brian Encinia shouts: "Get out of the car! Texas Department of Public Safety released a statement, visiting criminal law scholar at the University of Houston. He has 15 days . She studied print journalism at the University of Houston and French at the University of Paris-Sorbonne in France. We do not know exactly where he is right now in 2020. Bland's sister said there is a bond among families of Blacks killed by officers. Sandra Bland. A Texas trooper indicted over his arrest of a black woman who was later found dead in jail has been formally fired, three months after his bosses first announced they would do so, state officials . Pending the outcome of the Texas Ranger and FBI investigation into this incident, the employee involved has been assigned administrative duties. VOTE: Whats the best KXAN viewer photo of February? 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.
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