Williamson County Settles $1.15 Million Lawsuit Over In-Custody Police Brutality Incident
Williamson County has agreed to pay $1.15 million to settle a lawsuit brought by a former inmate who says he was the victim of in-custody police brutality at the county jail. The case centers around shocking allegations that several jailers broke the man’s leg and fractured his hip while he was not resisting them — and then denied him medical care for hours.
Former Inmate Says Jailers Broke His Leg and Ignored His Pleas for Help
The lawsuit, filed by Johnny Tijerina in 2024, alleges that on October 26, 2023, Tijerina was booked into the Williamson County Jail after a DWI arrest. During the booking process, Tijerina — who suffers from anxiety, a learning disability, and is hard of hearing — became confused and had difficulty following shouted commands from multiple officers.
According to the complaint, instead of de-escalating the situation, jailers escalated to violence. They handcuffed Tijerina behind his back, led him to a cell, and yelled at him to remove his clothes. When he explained that he could not comply unless his handcuffs were removed, one of the jailers ordered other officers to “take him down.”
The lawsuit states that one officer swept Tijerina’s leg from beneath him, causing him to fall. Four other jailers then piled on top of him. As he screamed in pain, Tijerina told them his leg was broken — but instead of helping, they allegedly forced him to stand on the broken leg and placed him in a restraining chair, bending his already fractured hip.
Hours of Pain and Neglect
Tijerina, who stands only 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds, was left in the restraining chair for several hours. According to the lawsuit, he screamed in agony as officers ignored his cries for medical assistance. One jailer allegedly told him that he was restrained because he refused to answer questions — a claim Tijerina’s attorneys say is untrue and designed to justify excessive force.
Eventually, he was transferred to a cell where he continued to beg for help, but again, his pleas were ignored. After bonding out the following day, Tijerina sought treatment at a hospital, where doctors confirmed he had a broken leg and a fractured hip.
Pattern of Abuse and Misuse of Restraint Chairs
The lawsuit accused Williamson County of maintaining a pattern of in-custody police brutality and improper use of emergency restraint chairs without legal justification. This marks at least the third lawsuit in recent years that the county has settled involving alleged brutality and restraint chair abuse at the jail.
Although county commissioners approved the $1.15 million settlement this week, they made no public comment about the case during the meeting. Advocates say the lack of transparency raises broader concerns about accountability and oversight within the jail system.
Accountability for In-Custody Police Brutality
Cases like Tijerina’s highlight the urgent need for oversight and justice when it comes to police brutality in custody. Inmates — regardless of their charges — are entitled to humane treatment and medical care. When officers abuse their authority behind closed doors, victims suffer not only physical injuries but also long-lasting emotional trauma.
If you or a loved one has suffered injury or abuse while in custody, you have the right to seek justice. Our firm stands up for victims of in-custody police brutality across Texas, holding law enforcement agencies accountable for their misconduct.
Contact Us for Help
If you believe you or someone you care about has been the victim of in-custody police brutality, don’t wait to act. Fill out our online contact form or call our office at (512) 246-9191 for a free, confidential consultation with an attorney who understands what it takes to fight for justice.
