Jacksonville Deputies Beat Black Motorist During Traffic Stop; Bodycam Footage Sparks Outrage and Legal Action

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters released body camera footage showing the violent arrest of 22-year-old William Anthony McNeil, Jr., a Black man, after cellphone video of the incident went viral. The February 19, 2025, traffic stop escalated when McNeil questioned why he was pulled over, refused to exit his vehicle, and requested to speak with a supervisor. Deputies responded by breaking his car window and physically assaulting him. Officer D. Bowers, identified as the deputy who shattered the window and punched McNeil, has been stripped of his authority pending an internal review.

Despite the graphic footage, Sheriff Waters stated, “The State Attorney's Office has determined that none of the involved officers violated criminal law,” though an administrative investigation is still underway to assess if JSO policy was broken. Waters emphasized, “Force absolutely looks ugly,” and declined to either defend or criticize Bowers' actions until the investigation concludes.

McNeil’s attorney, Harry Daniels, criticized the officers’ actions, saying, “This officer broke his window and just punched him in his face. Mr. McNeil suffered very significant injury.” Daniels confirmed plans for legal action, stating, “We are seeking all options to ensure accountability.”

According to the police report, McNeil was pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt and failing to use headlights during what deputies described as "inclement weather." McNeil disputed this, saying, “There’s no rain,” and refused to exit his vehicle out of fear. “He is afraid... especially young men of color are very afraid of police,” Daniels explained. After he asked again for a supervisor, Bowers broke the window and struck McNeil while he was still facing forward. The footage then shows officers pulling him from the car, punching him, and pinning him to the ground while yelling, “You’re under arrest.”

Court records show McNeil pled guilty to resisting an officer without violence and driving with a suspended license, serving two days in jail. Still, critics have questioned the aggressive response. During a tense press conference, Sheriff Waters argued, “You’re not allowed to resist a police officer when he’s doing his lawful duties,” though he conceded the incident is still under review.

Link: ABCNews