Joe Crystal was a rising star in the Baltimore Police Department until he blew the whistle on fellow cops who had covered up a brutal beating of a handcuffed suspect, and was hounded out of the department. 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. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, TinEye Reverse Image Search, accessed June 18. Uncredited/AP. Encinia had been accused of failing to act courteously during his July traffic stop of Bland, prolonging her detention, violating general orders and perjury. Trooper Encinia did not follow the seven step violator contact by not telling the violator what action that he was going to take. Orta was released in May 2020 and is under court supervision until January 2022. 6 Things We Know About Brian Encinia, The Texas Trooper Who Arrested Sandra Bland. "Like, how many more? Brian Encinia is an ex-state trooper in Texas. Regardless of the situation, the DPS state trooper has an obligation to exhibit professionalism and be courteous, said DPS Director Steve McCraw. "In my opinion, Trooper Brian Encinia's actions were the . The charge against Brian Encinia was dropped after he agreed to surrender his state law enforcement . I dont know what happened, but something did, and to me, that was the reasonable suspicion.. 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. Sections of the document are heavily redacted. Bland was 28 years old. Because all I could think about was the knee in my sister's back from Officer Encinia," said Needham. He said that because of this, "Force was used to subdue Bland to the ground, to which Bland continued to fight back.". The newly surfaced video begins when the trooper walks back . Brian Encinia, charged with perjury in the arrest of Sandra Bland, has turned himself in to authorities and is now out on bail. He pled guilty to drug and gun charges in 2016 and received a four-year prison sentence. Container: FLAC (tracks) Quality: Hi-Fi, lossless audio Sample Rate: 44100 Hz / 16 bit, Stereo Source: CD Album Artist/Name: Brian Eno - Rams - Original Soundtrack Album Genre: Ambient Release Date: 2020 www publisher: hd24bit.com ArtWork: not included Encinia declined to comment about his statements to the DPS Office of Inspector General. Maybe she got kicked, he told the Huffington Posts Michael McLaughlin. In May, the world responded with protests and riots after George Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved. 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 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. 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! Stories that matter delivered to your inbox. 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. 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. 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. Sandra Bland was found dead of suicide in a Texas jail cell in July 2015 after being arrested by state trooper Brian Encinia, who claimed she threatened his safety. Bland was pulled over on June 10, 2015, during a road trip to Texas from Illinois, where she lived. Needham said that it's a start, but deaths of Blacks caused by police continue. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Brian Encinia is an ex-state trooper in Texas. Diepraams boss, Waller County District Attorney Elton Mathis, denies Kelleys claims. Who is graffitiing I was raped, I am OK in ATX? I'm angry," Sandra Bland's sister, Shante Needham, told the I-Team. Trooper Encinia responded with an inappropriate comment by saying good. Im too furious to add anything else constructive at the moment. Encinia was eventually charged, but only with perjurya decision that sparked further outrage. 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. . Minnesota Derek Chauvin/Place of birth. The 30-year old Trooper Encinia is now on administrative duty for violating . Although Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Cal.) 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. Press ESC to cancel. A native Texan, Nola serves as reporter for the Katy edition of Community Impact Newspaper. 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. All we know is that he is not active on any social media platforms. Friday, October 30, 2020. . "I'm over it. I think he knows what happened. This decision does not mean that Encinia will not face criminal charges. "I'm angry. US Casinos With FreeSpins: Why Players Like No-Deposit Bonuses? 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. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The charge the trooper now faces is a Class A misdemeanor. If her video helps someone get there, all the better. Kelleys claims that he tried to expose misconduct in Blands case stand out as unusual. If convicted of the perjury charge, Encinia could face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. He has said he did not understand the context of the phrase at the time. 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. 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. | 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. (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 . Encinia is still assigned to administrative duty for the policy violations. And they want us to trust law enforcement," Needham said. Trooper Encinia said that he was genuinely concerned that something was going on with the violator because of the behavior that she was displaying. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Celeb News; Actor; Actress; Web Stars; . Corrections officers in upstate New York were caught lying about the circumstances of inmate Leonard Stricklands death in 2010. Menu. But for all that attention, and video evidence suggesting Blands only offense was getting angry with a cop she felt was mistreating her, the exact circumstances of her death remain unknown. Texas Department of Public Safety released a statement, visiting criminal law scholar at the University of Houston. Dont miss reporting and analysis from the Hill and the White House. The state Public Safety department moved to fire Encinia after his perjury indictment in January accused him of lying about the confrontation. I talked to one of Sandra Bland's sisters, Sharon Cooper, about the significance of . Sandra Bland. Blands mother Geneva Reed-Veal has become an outspoken advocate for police reform. 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 podcast Texas Standard, Jim Harrington, director of the Texas Civil Rights Project, says that Encinia had no legal authority to order Bland to put out her cigarette or to exit her car. . 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. Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner. (Designed by Jos Dennis/Community Impact Newspaper). Maybe she fell when she was in handcuffs. Brian Encinia. "But I pray for them and I just pray for better days for America because America is messed up right now.". Now." After Bland asks why Encinia would "threaten to drag me out of my own car," he pulls out his Taser. His attorney did not return our call. Aside from the violated regulations, there is considerable division in the Texas legal community about the legality of Encinia's actions. CapMetro apologizes for post-Austin FC game service, APA! I think things couldve been handled differently, yes sir. Sandra Bland should still be alive. Im sure many people would rather not bring Sandra Bland back up again. Naperville, IL 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. Sandra Bland's family describes their journey of pain since her death. I spoke with Trooper Encinia and explained in great detail the importance of following the seven step violator contact. 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. Sandra Bland/Place of birth. 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 . Her friends and family vigorously denied she would have taken her life, saying suicide was "unfathomable.". 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. 2023 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. When George Floyd died last spring, emotions from the Bland family tragedy were rekindled. June 28, 2017. Source Austin American-Statesman. Although this issue has not dominated the news in recent weeks, it remains a major problem. She had a large mark on her head. Did they not watch the video? Bland, a 28-year-old Black woman, was arrested in July 2015 for allegedly assaulting Texas state trooper Brian Encinia during a traffic stop. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. There are petitions to get Bland's case reopened, including one with more than 1 million signatures. Page Six reported Friday that the former president "now has a regular gig" as a DJ at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Trooper Encinia stated that he understood. 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. The traffic stop quickly escalated and Bland was arrested. I think he was fired because of what happened, and I know that the family knows what happened.. I think he is afraid of what happened. "We all need each other. I will light you up!. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. 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. The post includes a pictureshowing Bland in an orange jumpsuit with her eyes rolled back into her head. But for black women like me, her presence is everywhere. In late July 2015,Waller County, Texas, officialsreleased several hours of video footage showing Bland walking around the jail and sitting for her mugshot. The reporter who had exposed the videos existence was later barred from a press conference with city leaders about the killing. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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. Knowing he could not ticket Bland for failure to stop at the sign, Encinia went on to explain why he followed her. Former state Trooper Brian Encinia, who pulled Bland over on July 10, 2015, in Prairie View, Texas, for failing to use a turn signal, no longer faces a perjury charge for making a false statement . Popular Networth. I didnt know if a crime was being committed, had been committed or whatnot, said the trooper. President Trump has largely defended law enforcement officers since launching his campaign. Bland was detained, and three days later, she was found hanging in her jail cell. 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.. Those who believe that addressing police violence should be part of the ongoing conversation about criminal justice reform will likely be looking to the individuals hoping to replace Trump to provide solutions to a problem that continues to plague communities nationwide. 5:15 PM Jul 23, 2020 CDT, Here is a list of events leading to the Sandra Bland Act, which became a state law in 2017. Was in jeopardy courteous, said DPS Director Steve McCraw accessed June 18 jumpsuit. Has not dominated the News in recent weeks, it remains a major problem think he was going with. As reporter for the Policy violations graffitiing I was raped, I am OK in ATX until 2022! With more than 1 million signatures May not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed said trooper. 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