Affidavit Details Texas State Trooper's Account Of Sandra Bland Arrest
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Authorities have released the sworn affidavit of the Texas state trooper who arrested Naperville resident Sandra Bland earlier this month, in which he says Bland became combative and kicked him during a traffic stop.
Trooper Brian Encinia pulled Bland over around 4:30 p.m. on July 10, after she allegedly made a lane change without signaling.
"I had Bland exit the vehicle to further conduct a safe traffic investigation. Bland became combative and uncooperative. Numerous commands were given to Bland ordering her to exit the vehicle," he wrote.
"Bland was removed from the car but became more combative. Bland was placed in handcuffs for officer safety. Bland began swinging her elbows at me and then kicked my right leg in the shin."
Encinia said he suffered pain in his right leg, and cuts to his right hand as a result. He claimed Bland "continued to fight back" as he subdued her, and took her to the ground.
Bland died three days later in a jail cell in Waller County. Sheriff's officials have said she committed suicide by hanging, but her family has said she would not kill herself, and has called for an independent investigation.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has said Encinia has been reassigned to administrative duties for violating procedures for traffic stops, but has not elaborated.
Later today, the Texas DPS is expected to release the dashcam video of the traffic stop.
Waller County Districty Atty. Elston Mathis has said a grand jury will look into Bland's death.
"This investigation is still being treated just as it would be a murder investigation," Mathis said. "There are many questions being raised here in Waller County, the state of Texas, and the country, and also around the world about this case. It needs a thorough and exhaustive review."
The Texas Rangers and the FBI are investigating.
Bland had been visiting Texas for a job interview at her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University, and was getting ready to start her new job as a college outreach worker. Her family and friends have said it is "unfathomable" that she would commit suicide, and they believe she was killed.