Jacksonville police are investigating a viral video that has sparked nationwide outrage, depicting an officer punching William McNeil Jr. during a traffic stop. The footage, which was shared extensively on social media, shows McNeil being subdued by law enforcement after his driver’s side window is smashed and he is struck in the face. Sheriff T.K. Waters addressed the incident, stating that while the force used was ‘ugly,’ it did not constitute a criminal violation. The video has led to calls for accountability, with McNeil’s attorneys condemning the actions as brutality.
In the video, which has been widely circulated, McNeil is seen engaging in a tense exchange with the officer over the reason for the traffic stop. He questions the officer’s claim that his headlights were off, prompting the officer to threaten to break the window unless he complies. The officer eventually breaks the window and drags McNeil from the vehicle, leading to a scuffle where McNeil is punched in the face. The incident is said to have occurred on February 19, 2025, and has since become a focal point of public debate on police conduct and use of force.
Waters, who has taken responsibility for the incident, stated that the state attorney’s office has concluded that none of the involved officers violated criminal law. However, the sheriff acknowledged that the force used was excessive and noted that the officer involved, identified as D. Bowers, has been stripped of his law enforcement authority pending the outcome of the administrative review. The matter is also under criminal and administrative review, with the sheriff emphasizing that the use of force, while ‘ugly,’ does not equate to unlawful conduct.
The incident has drawn attention from legal experts and civil rights advocates, with attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels representing McNeil. They have criticized the actions of the officers as an example of racial bias, stating that the use of force against a Black American in such circumstances is a grave concern. This case has reignited broader discussions about police accountability and the need for transparency in law enforcement practices.
McNeil’s legal troubles extended beyond the incident, as the sheriff mentioned that he was arrested for resisting a police officer, driving on a suspended license, and possession of marijuana. Despite being given his phone back in early March, McNeil did not file a complaint with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office or provide the video to authorities initially, raising questions about the timing and transparency of the incident’s reporting.
As the investigation continues, the case serves as a microcosm of the larger issues surrounding police conduct, the use of force, and the importance of transparency in law enforcement. The outcome of the administrative and criminal reviews will be closely watched, with the potential for significant implications for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the broader national conversation on police reform.