Judge gives police until January to turn over Bland material

HOUSTON — A federal judge has given officials in a Texas city until early January to turn over materials related to the traffic stop and jailing of Sandra Bland, a black woman who died in a Texas county jail this summer after she was pulled over by a white state trooper and arrested.

U.S. District Judge David Hittner’s order is in response to a subpoena from attorneys who have filed a wrongful death suit on behalf of Bland’s mother.

The subpoena, served last month, asked that all reports and recordings from Prairie View police related to Bland be submitted by Nov. 10.

Hittner heard arguments earlier this week. His order signed Wednesday gives more time, saying the parties involved in the lawsuit have agreed the police must submit materials by Jan. 4.