TROOPER INDICTED IN BLAND CASE

  

Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Brian Encinia has been indicted in Waller Co., on perjury charges for his involvement in the Sandra Bland case.

Encinia is accused of lying about how he removed Bland from her vehicle during a traffic stop that triggered the events that drew nation-wide attention.

Encinia pulled over the 28-year-old Chicago woman July 10 in Waller Co., for an improper lane change.  A verbal and physical altercation ensued between Bland and Encinia, with Bland being arrested.

Bland was found dead three days after her, arrest, when authorities found her hanging from a noose made from a plastic bag in her jail cell.

Bland's death was ruled a suicide, but her death outraged family members and civil rights advocates.

The same grand jury that indicted Encinia declined last month to indict sheriff's officials or jailers.

Following the indictment the Texas Department of Public Safety said it would begin termination proceedings to discharge Encinia from the department.

Bland's relatives have filed a wrongful death lawsuit in federal court against Encinia, the DPS, Waller County and county jailers.

A trial date for the lawsuit is set for January 2017.