Alvin Young, Texas prisoner # 635863, moves for permission to proceed in forma pauperis (IFP) to appeal the dismissal of his 42 U.S.C. § 1983 complaint against El Franco Lee and Charles Bacarisse as frivolous pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(i). By moving for IFP, Young is challenging the district court’s certification that IFP status should not be granted on appeal because his appeal is not taken in good faith. See Baugh v. Taylor, 117 F.3d 197, 202 (5th Cir. 1997).

The district court “pierc[ed] the veil of the complaint’s factual allegations” and held that Young sought 42 U.S.C. § 1983 relief based on the meritless legal theory of respondeat superior liability. See Neitzke v. Williams, 490 U.S. 319, 327, 109 S.Ct. 1827, 104 L.Ed.2d 338 (1989); Thompkins v. Belt, 828 F.2d 298, 303-04 (5th Cir. 1987). Our review of Young’s complaint convinces us that its dismissal as frivolous was not an abuse of discretion. See Siglar v. Hightower, 112 F.3d 191, 193 (5th Cir. 1997).

“[NJothing prevents the appellate court from sua sponte dismissing the case on the merits pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 42.2 when it is apparent that an appeal would be meritless.” See Baugh, 117 F.3d at 202 n. 24. Young has failed to show that his *708 appeal involves nonfrivolous legal issues, and therefore his appeal is dismissed.

The dismissal of this appeal as frivolous counts as a strike for purposes of 28 U.S.C. § 1915(g), in addition to the strike for the district court’s dismissal. See Adepegba v. Hammons, 103 F.3d 383, 388 (5th Cir. 1996). Young is CAUTIONED that once he accumulates three strikes, he may not proceed IFP in any civil action or appeal filed while he is incarcerated or detained in any facility unless he is under imminent danger of serious physical injury. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(g).

MOTION FOR IFP STATUS DENIED; APPEAL DISMISSED; SANCTION WARNING ISSUED.