From ABC News: Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters released body camera footage of the violent arrest of William Anthony McNeil, Jr., a 22-year-old Black man, after cellphone video capturing part of the incident went viral on social media.
The video shows sheriff’s deputies beating and punching McNeil during a traffic stop after he repeatedly questioned why he was being pulled over and refused to exit his vehicle in an incident that occurred on Feb. 19, 2025.
Waters said that “the State Attorney’s Office has determined that none of the involved officers violated criminal law,” but highlighted that the deputies’ actions are now being examined in an “administrative review,” which will determine if the deputies “violated JSO policy.” He also identified the deputy who broke the car window and punched McNeil as officer D. Bowers.
Here is the video from McNeil, and ABC’s coverage of the story:
Here is the Jacksonville police response to viral video, with their own video evidence of what occurred.
Waters said McNeil was noncompliant and that there was an ongoing investigation into whether the officer involved used force within policy.
“These administrative reviews are ongoing, but the State Attorney’s Office has determined that none of the involved officers violated criminal law, even though the administrative review has yet to be completed,” Waters said.
“Pending the outcome of this administrative review, Officer Bowers has been stripped of his law enforcement authority,” Waters said.
Harry Daniels, an attorney representing McNeil, said legal action is planned.
“This officer broke his window and just punched him in his face. Mr. McNeil suffered very significant injury,” Daniels said. “We are planning to do everything we can do to secure justice.”
“We are seeking all options to ensure accountability,” he said.
READ MORE AT ABC News.
