Jacksonville, Florida, November 26, 2025
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has released body camera footage of a violent traffic stop involving a 22-year-old man. Officers forcibly removed him from his vehicle after he questioned the stop. The incident has sparked public outrage and prompted an investigation into police conduct. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has joined the man’s legal team, calling for accountability. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about racial treatment during traffic stops and the importance of transparency in law enforcement.
Jacksonville, Florida: Body Camera Footage Released After Violent Traffic Stop
Jacksonville, Florida – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) has released body camera footage of a violent traffic stop that occurred on February 19, 2025, involving William McNeil Jr., a 22-year-old Black man. The incident, which went viral after McNeil posted his own video of the encounter, has sparked widespread outrage and prompted investigations into the officers’ conduct.
Incident Details
During the traffic stop, Officer Donald Bowers pulled McNeil over for allegedly driving without headlights and not wearing a seatbelt. McNeil questioned the stop and refused to exit his vehicle, stating his window was broken. After multiple requests for McNeil to exit the vehicle, Bowers called for backup. When additional officers arrived, Bowers broke the driver’s side window and forcibly removed McNeil from the car, during which he struck McNeil in the face. McNeil was subsequently arrested and charged with resisting an officer without violence, driving on a suspended license, and not wearing a seatbelt. The arrest report also mentioned that McNeil reached for a knife on the floorboard, a claim not supported by the released footage.
Investigations and Responses
Following the release of McNeil’s video, the JSO initiated both criminal and administrative reviews of the incident. The State Attorney’s Office determined that none of the involved officers violated criminal law. However, the administrative review is ongoing to assess potential policy violations. Sheriff T.K. Waters stated that the released footage did not “comprehensively capture the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
In response to the incident, civil rights attorney Ben Crump joined McNeil’s legal team, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency. The Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP also called for immediate answers from Sheriff Waters, highlighting concerns about the treatment of Black individuals during traffic stops.
Background Context
Body-worn cameras have become a standard tool for law enforcement agencies to promote transparency and accountability. The JSO’s policy mandates that officers activate their body cameras during traffic stops and other citizen interactions. The release of body camera footage in this case aligns with the department’s commitment to transparency, as outlined in their policy.
The incident has reignited discussions about police conduct, the use of force, and the treatment of Black individuals by law enforcement. It underscores the importance of thorough investigations and the need for clear communication between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | February 19, 2025 |
| Location | Jacksonville, Florida |
| Individuals Involved | William McNeil Jr. (Driver), Officer Donald Bowers, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office |
| Charges Against McNeil | Resisting an officer without violence, driving on a suspended license, not wearing a seatbelt |
| Legal Representation for McNeil | Civil rights attorney Ben Crump |
| JSO’s Body Camera Footage Release Policy | Proactively release redacted footage within 21 days, unless it impairs an active investigation |
What led to the release of the body camera footage?
The release of the body camera footage was prompted by the circulation of a video recorded by William McNeil Jr. during his traffic stop, which went viral and sparked public concern. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released the footage to provide transparency and context regarding the incident.
What charges were filed against William McNeil Jr.?
William McNeil Jr. was charged with resisting an officer without violence, driving on a suspended license, and not wearing a seatbelt. The arrest report also mentioned that McNeil reached for a knife on the floorboard, a claim not supported by the released footage.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The State Attorney’s Office has determined that none of the involved officers violated criminal law. However, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is conducting an administrative review to assess potential policy violations. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
Who is representing William McNeil Jr. legally?
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has joined William McNeil Jr.’s legal team, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the case. The Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP has also called for immediate answers from Sheriff Waters regarding the incident.
What is the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s policy on releasing body camera footage?
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s policy mandates that officers activate their body cameras during traffic stops and other citizen interactions. The department is committed to proactively releasing redacted body-worn camera footage within 21 days of an incident, provided this release does not impact or impair the active criminal investigation.
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