Firing of Texas Trooper Who Pulled Over Sandra Bland Upheld

The Texas Department of Public Safety trooper who pulled over Sandra Bland has been officially fired from the department.

According to a release from the TDPS, Director Steven McCraw upheld his preliminary decision to terminate Trooper Brian Encinia.

The trooper still has the right to appeal the decision. If he does, a Texas Public Safety Commission may set aside or uphold the discharge.

Encinia was indicted for perjury by a grand jury in January 2016 for allegedly lying about the reason he pulled Bland from her car, but according to documents, the reason for Encinia’s termination has to do with his conduct during the traffic stop.

According to the statement of charges, Encinia failed to “remain courteous and tactful” and engaged in “argumentative discussions” with Bland. Encinia also was charged with prolonging the traffic stop beyond a reasonably necessary time and failing to follow the “seven-step violator interview,” which entails identifying the agency, stating the violation, checking ID, stating the action that needs to be taken, explaining what the violator must do and then leaving.

A termination letter was given to Encinia March 1, explaining that he did not sufficiently defend charges made against him in a Feb. 5 meeting with McCraw. Encinia was discharged from the TDPS effective at 5 p.m. March 1.

In January, it was reported that the TDPS had begun termination proceedings against Encinia, but in Februrary it was learned that he was still drawing a salary.

Encinia had said in a report that he pulled Bland from her car to continue the investigation, but a dash cam video shows he pulled her from her car after she denied his request to put out a cigarette.

Bland was arrested July 10 after becoming confrontational during the traffic stop. She was found dead in her Texas jail cell three days later. Bland, a former Naperville resident, was in Texas to begin a new job at Prairie View A&M University.