On Friday, July 10, at approximately 4:30 p.m. on FM 1098 in Prairie View, a DPS trooper made a traffic stop on a Hyundai Azera for failure to signal a lane change. After making contact with the driver, Sandra Bland (DOB 02-07-1987), she became argumentative and uncooperative. She was subsequently taken into custody for assault on a public servant. A Prairie View police officer also responded to the scene and provided assistance. Waller County EMS was also called to the scene, but Bland refused a medical review by EMS. She was then booked into the Waller County Jail.
The Waller County Sheriff’s Office requested that DPS assist in investigating the in-custody death of Bland at the Waller County Jail on Monday morning. A Texas Ranger responded to the scene that day. DPS has also requested that the FBI assist in this investigation, to which they have agreed.
At this time, the joint investigation by the Texas Rangers and the FBI is ongoing.
Additionally DPS will conduct an internal review of the traffic stop.
No additional information is available at this time.
(Press release from Texas Department of Public Safety)