A deputy with the Midland County Sheriff’s Department in Midland, Texas, was in pursuit of 14-year-old Juan Herrera when the officer discharged his firearm. This occurred on March 3, 2022, and the teenager died the same day from the wounds he sustained.

Reports of Abuse Associated with Restraint Chairs

Reports across the nation about custodial abuse occurring in connection with restraint chairs have resulted in the banning of this type of restraint device in numerous jurisdictions. Among the disturbing stories is one from outside of Texas involving a teenager who was hooded while strapped in a restraint chair. Video footage was obtained that revealed acts of assault and mistreatment of this 17-year-old boy.

The teenager was detained at a county detention center when deputies repeatedly stripped him and assaulted him. A video captured a conversation in which a guard explained that the boy’s mattress had been removed because he chewed on it. The detainee was threatening to break his own hand so that he would be transported to a hospital. The guard’s response was to call for the restraint chair. The teen was wearing a spit hood as he was strapped into the chair by his wrists, ankles, neck, and shoulders, and he was left that way for 2 hours.

Other video footage shows that, on many occasions, the teen was stripped naked, thrown across his cell, and knocked to the ground. A deputy also kneed him repeatedly. He was placed in solitary confinement frequently, as well.

Learn more in Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of this ongoing series.

Implicating people or organizations in acts of wrongdoing is never an intention on this website. The aim of each post is to help county jail inmates who are now or have previously been incarcerated in Texas.

–Guest Contributor