Fox La Reports : JACKSONVILLE, FL. : A video depicting a Black man being punched and forcibly removed from his vehicle during a traffic stop in February has sparked an investigation into the officers’ use of force. The incident gained significant attention after 22-year-old William McNeil Jr. shared footage of his arrest on social media.
On February 19, McNeil was pulled over in Jacksonville for driving without his headlights on during the day. Bodycam footage shows him questioning the officers about the stop, noting that other drivers also had their headlights off. He requested that the officers call their supervisor, then closed his door and began recording the interaction.
In the video, officers demand McNeil exit the vehicle, subsequently breaking his window and punching him in the face as they pull him from the car. McNeil’s attorney, Harry Daniels, reported that his client suffered permanent injuries, including a fractured tooth, a split lip requiring nine stitches, and a concussion that has led to short-term memory loss.
According to a separate report by another officer, McNeil was subjected to physical force after being knocked to the ground, receiving six closed-fist punches to the leg before he stopped resisting.
Reactions
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, known for representing victims of police brutality, described the incident as a “classic case of driving while Black.” He emphasized the clear evidence provided by the video, stating, “You can’t justify this.”
Daniels highlighted McNeil’s academic achievements, noting that he received a scholarship to study biology at Livingstone College, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in North Carolina, and was a member of the school’s marching band.
The Sheriff’s Office Response
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has argued that the video does not capture the full context of the incident. Sheriff TK Waters acknowledged that while the force used was “ugly,” it may not necessarily violate department policy. He claimed that McNeil was reaching for a large knife in the vehicle’s floorboard, a statement that Crump and Daniels have labeled as a “fabrication.”
Ongoing Investigation
An investigation is currently underway to determine if the officers violated department policies during the incident. However, the State Attorney’s Office has stated that no criminal laws were violated by the officers involved.
This incident continues to raise concerns about police conduct and the treatment of Black individuals during traffic stops, further igniting discussions on systemic issues within law enforcement.
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