New details in Sandra Bland death investigation

Waller County officials released the arrest affidavit and magistrate orders for Sandra Bland, who died in the county’s jail 3 days after being stopped for a traffic violation.

Department of Public Safety trooper Brian Encina says in the warrant that Bland was pulled over In Prairie View July 10th for failing to signal a lane change.  He asked Bland to get out of her car and Encina says in the warrant at that point, “Bland became combative and uncooperative.” She was removed from her car after several commands were given. She was handcuffed by Encina. He said “Bland then began swinging her elbows at me and then kicked my right leg in the shin.”

Encina says he used force to subdue Bland to the ground but she continued to fight back.  She was then placed under arrest for assault on a public servant. 

She was booked into the Waller County jail.

At around 1:20 a.m. Saturday July 11, Bland appeared before a magistrate and bond was set at $5,000.

On Sunday morning, July 12th, she was found dead in her jail cell.  Her death has been ruled a suicide by a medical examiner.  The FBI is assisting the Texas DPS and Waller County in their investigation into Bland’s death.  On Monday, Waller County’s district attorney said it would be investigated just like they investigate murders.