A wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Glenn Smallwood, a 33-year-old Army veteran, alleges that staff at the Angelina County Jail in Texas stood by and laughed as he choked and vomited while restrained in a chair. Smallwood’s death, which occurred in June 2023, is described as a tragic and avoidable consequence of jail staff’s neglect and the use of an inhumane restraint device. The family is now seeking justice for Smallwood, who was suffering from a mental health crisis at the time of his death.
The Incident: Arrest and Inhumane Restraint
On June 16, 2023, Glenn Smallwood was approached by police officers in Lufkin, Texas, after being found on the sidewalk, disoriented and scratching at the ground. Smallwood, who identified himself as a “psych patient,” was arrested for public intoxication despite clearly needing medical attention. Officers, instead of taking him to a psychiatric facility, placed him in a restraint chair at the Angelina County Jail, where he was tightly strapped in with his arms, legs, and torso immobilized.
Smallwood began to vomit and was left in a semi-prone position that impeded his breathing and worsened his condition. According to the lawsuit, instead of providing help, officers joked about the situation, making light of the dire circumstances. One officer reportedly laughed, saying, “I might throw up if I see that again, man, I can’t.”
Neglect and Failures of Medical Staff
Once inside the detox room, Smallwood’s condition deteriorated rapidly. A nurse who visited him later noticed he had lost consciousness and attempted a sternum rub—a painful procedure designed to wake someone and assess brain function. Smallwood did not respond. Instead of calling 911, the nurse used smelling salts to briefly rouse Smallwood, who immediately fell unconscious again. The nurse, aware of his deteriorating state, failed to provide adequate care and did not call for emergency assistance. Hours passed before any real action was taken, and Smallwood’s breathing became shallow and labored.
At one point, officers discussed whether Smallwood was still alive but failed to seek medical help. By the time they called the nurse back, Smallwood was no longer breathing, and the nurse, despite the urgent situation, left for the night. When officers finally attempted chest compressions, it was too late—Smallwood was dead.
Family’s Lawsuit: Seeking Justice for Glenn
Glenn Smallwood’s family, particularly his brother John Smallwood, is now suing Southern Health Partners, the private healthcare company responsible for staffing the jail, the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, and the individuals involved in Smallwood’s death. They argue that Glenn was not fit for jail and needed immediate medical and mental health assistance, not confinement. His family, represented by attorney Erik Heipt, is pushing for accountability for what they call an “atrocity” that should never have occurred in an American jail.
“Glenn Smallwood was in a medical and mental health crisis. He was not fit for confinement. He needed help, not jail,” said Heipt. The lawsuit also criticizes the use of the restraint chair, describing it as “draconian” and potentially lethal, arguing that such devices have no place in modern society.
Concerns Over Jail Conditions and Systemic Failures
Smallwood’s death is not an isolated incident. The lawsuit points out that at least two other people have died in the same cell as Smallwood in recent years, underscoring the potentially lethal conditions within the jail. The facility, with a population of around 250 individuals, has seen nine deaths since 2016, six of which occurred between 2020 and 2024.
John Smallwood, devastated by the loss of his brother, emphasized that Glenn was more than his struggles. “He always helped others, shared his belongings, and tried to take care of everyone,” John said. “He had a big heart.” The family’s fight for justice aims not only to hold those responsible accountable but to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.
Contact Police Brutality Center for Legal Assistance
If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a loved one due to police misconduct, neglect, or excessive use of force, you may be entitled to legal compensation. Police Brutality Center connects individuals with experienced civil rights attorneys, including partners at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, who specialize in wrongful death cases involving police misconduct.
Contact Police Brutality Center today for a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you seek justice for victims of police brutality and neglect.
