MORE VIDEOS RELEASED IN CHESTER JACKSON CASE
A series of newly released body camera videos shed light on what happened to a Somerville man during and after his stay in the Burleson County Jail.
Nearly a dozen new videos were obtained by Chester Jackson, Jr.’s family attorney, U.A. Lewis, through an open records request with Burleson County. The videos indicate Jackson left the jail seemingly in good physical condition, but they have yet to explain how or why he was taken to an Austin hospital, where he’s been in critical condition for over a month.
On April 19th, video shows a Burleson County deputy responding to Jackson’s home after a 911 call. Chester Jackson, Sr. tells the deputy his son hit him, but did not want to press charges because of his mental health. His parents instead ask the deputy to take him to a hospital, saying he is mentally unstable.
The deputy identifies himself as a certified drug recognition expert, and says Jackson appeared to be high on PCP and would need to be taken to jail. Jackson looks to be cooperative during the book-in process, as he was arrested for public intoxication.
Early on April 20th, Jackson’s behavior changed, appearing agitated and resisting several officers. At one point, he looks straight into a body camera and asks, “Can I please get out of here?” He is eventually placed into a cell and left alone to serve a one-day sentence for the public intoxication charge.
Jackson’s mother attempts to pick Jackson up at the jail after he’s released, but jail staff say her son would need to remain in jail as he was still a danger. A staff member is overheard saying Jackson still looked to be high on PCP a day after he was brought to the jail. He would then be moved to a different cell, and that was when he was seen being shoved by a Caldwell police officer, hitting his head on a toilet as he fell.
In the following weeks, an unnamed Caldwell police officer was placed on administrative leave, and it was announced the Texas Rangers were assisting with an investigation into the matter. U.A. Lewis says the Rangers have confirmed it is a not just an investigation, but a criminal investigation.
Around noon on April 21st, Jackson is seen in the booking area of the jail talking with several officers before he’s released. He looks to be in good physical condition. He is then given a courtesy transport by two Burleson County deputies to Cross Creek Hospital in Austin, a mental health hospital. As he is turned over to medical staff, his mental state remains consistent with Friday night’s arrest.
Jackson is eventually admitted into the hospital, and that’s where the videos end. However, hours later, he would be taken by paramedics from Cross Creek Hospital to St. David Medical Center, and placed on life support.
Jackson remains unable to speak, but his condition is improving. The Burleson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating Jackson’s time in county custody leading up to his time in the hospital. Jackson’s lawyer has planned a news conference Friday in Austin.
The Burleson County Sheriff’s Office issued statements last week denying any wrongdoing in the case, and saying it is “committed to conducting a full and complete investigation”.