Sandra Bland Traffic Stop Dashcam Video Released
WALLER (CBSFDW.COM) - Newly released dash-cam footage of the arrest of Sandra Bland, 28, sheds light on the moments that led to her being handcuffed by a Texas State Trooper Brian Encinia, 30.
In a 52-minute video that was released Tuesday, the confrontation began when Encinia pulled Bland over for allegedly failing to signal in traffic.
When the trooper asks Bland to put out her cigarette, the situation escalates.
"I'm in my car. Why do I have to put out my cigarette?" asks Bland.
The trooper then tells Bland to step out of her car.
When Bland refuses to get out of her vehicle, the trooper begins yelling.
"Get out of the car! I will light you up!" yells Encinia.
A physical confrontation continues off camera until another trooper arrives to help in the arrest.
"There are questions that need to be answered as it relates to the arrest," said state senator Royce West, D-Dallas.
West preached patience as the investigation begins.
But DPS director Steve McCraw has already arrived at some conclusions.
"A DPS state trooper has an obligation to exhibit professionalism and be courteous throughout the entire contact. And that wasn't the case in this situation," said McCraw.
A grand jury compiled of a diverse group of people will now decide who is at fault in the incident.
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