Texas Cops Mocked, Laughed at Man Who Died in Custody After Mental Health Crisis

Death in Custody Amid Alleged Neglect

• 💔 Glenn Smallwood Jr., a 33-year-old Army veteran, died in Angelina County Jail after being arrested for public intoxication in July 2023.
• ⚖️ A federal lawsuit alleges that jail staff, including a nurse and a sheriff's lieutenant, failed to provide necessary medical and mental health care, treating him with indifference or contempt.
• 🚨 Staff at a mental health facility had alerted authorities to Smallwood's active psychosis, recommending involuntary hospitalization, but he was taken to jail instead.

Allegations of Inadequate Care and Mockery

• 💊 It is believed Smallwood self-medicated with methamphetamine, exacerbating his psychotic symptoms, despite a mental health warrant being issued.
• ⛓️ Per county policy, Smallwood was placed in a restraint chair, which allegedly made breathing difficult, and he became listless.
• 🗣️ Body camera footage reportedly shows guards smiling, laughing, and joking as Smallwood vomited while restrained.
• 🚪 Despite his condition, guards allegedly tightened restraints, moved him to a detox cell, and ignored his moans and loss of consciousness.

Questionable Medical Response

• 🩺 A nurse allegedly performed a sternum rub on the unresponsive Smallwood, then used smelling salts, and left him alone after he briefly awakened.
• 📈 The nurse returned later, noted abnormal vitals, but left for the night without further intervention, assuring guards Smallwood was not in danger.
• 🏥 The lawsuit claims the nurse was not authorized to make independent diagnoses and her actions showed disregard for the substantial risk of death.

Official Response and Legal Action

• 🏛️ Sheriff Tom Selman, named in the suit, stated he met with the family but declined further comment, citing legal counsel.
• 🎤 The legal team for the plaintiffs criticizes the sheriff's response, emphasizing that Smallwood's death was preventable with adequate care.
• ✊ Calls are made for the individuals involved to be punished criminally and civilly for negligence or criminal intent.