Introduction to the Incident
A 32-year-old man, Alexis Jovany Cardenas, died after a physical altercation with detention officers at the Harris County Jail in downtown Houston. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning as Cardenas was being released from the jail.
Details of the Incident
Cardenas was being escorted out of the jail at 12:50 a.m. Tuesday when he allegedly resisted detention officers. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, a detention officer deployed a stun gun, which was not immediately effective. Cardenas then forced his way back into a secure area of the jail where inmates were being processed for release. Multiple detention officers eventually gained control over Cardenas, but he was found to be unresponsive once they had subdued him.
Medical Response and Investigation
A detention officer administered CPR to Cardenas while medical staff responded. He was transported to St. Joseph Hospital, where he was pronounced dead just before 2 a.m. Tuesday. The Texas Rangers are conducting an investigation into the incident, and the sheriff’s office will release video footage of the altercation within 45 days.
Background on the Deceased
Cardenas was arrested on Sunday by the Houston Police Department on municipal charges. However, the specific charges he was facing are not immediately clear, as the Houston Police Department deferred questions to the City of Houston Municipal Courts Department, which could not provide information on the charges.
Previous Incidents at the Harris County Jail
This incident is not isolated, as ten other people have died in Harris County Jail custody this year. This includes three inmates who died within a 48-hour span in June. The frequency of such incidents raises concerns about the safety and conditions within the jail.
Conclusion
The death of Alexis Jovany Cardenas following a physical altercation with detention officers at the Harris County Jail is a concerning incident that warrants a thorough investigation. As the Texas Rangers delve into the details of what happened, the release of video footage within 45 days will hopefully provide clarity on the events leading to Cardenas’ death. This incident, coupled with the other deaths in the jail this year, underscores the need for a comprehensive review of safety protocols and procedures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
