Video of altercation between inmate, Harris County Jail guards prompts calls for investigation
Video of physical altercation at Harris County Joint Processing Center
Family members and lawyers are calling for an investigation by the Texas Rangers and the FBI into a video showing a physical altercation between an inmate and Harris County Jail guards at the Harris County Joint Processing Center. Video provided by Attorney Randall Kallinen.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - Family members and lawyers are calling for an investigation by the Texas Rangers and the FBI into a video showing a physical altercation between an inmate and Harris County Jail guards.
According to Attorney Randall Kallinen, the incident occurred at the Joint Processing Center on Jan. 19.
The attorney claims D'Alessandro Chavez-Sandoval was approached and grabbed by a detention officer who then punched D'Alessandro.
"You’ll see that the guard punches him six times before D'Alessandro starts defending himself. And it is totally legal to defend yourself from excessive force," Kallinen said. "You’re not required to let yourself just get beaten and beaten and beaten until death. You can actually defend yourself."
The video shows other guards rushing over. The attorney says two other guards also punched D'Alessandro.
HCSO released this statement on Monday, "This incident is being investigated by Internal Affairs. Sandoval-Chavez was provided medical treatment, cleared by medical personnel, and then placed in a holding cell. The detention officer sustained injuries as well, but did not require hospitalization."
D'Alessandro reportedly sustained a head injury, facial swelling, an injury to the left side of his forehead, nasal swelling, and bleeding from his nostrils, according to the attorney.
"The violence in the Harris County by detention officers is out of control," Kallinen said. "Sheriff Gonzalez needs to crack down and investigate these cases."
In a response, the sheriff's office said, "Per normal HCSO protocol, all Use of Force incidents are reviewed internally. No complaint has been filed by D'alessandr Chavez-Sandoval at this time. Sandoval-Chavez was provided medical treatment, cleared by medical personnel, and then placed in a holding cell. Sandoval-Chavez was charged with Assault of a Public Servant."