Jacksonville, Florida, December 10, 2025
In a significant event, a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officer was arrested after an internal investigation prompted by a viral video showing the officer breaking a car window and physically confronting a driver during a traffic stop. This incident has raised concerns about law enforcement practices within the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, leading to a commitment to transparency and accountability from Sheriff T.K. Waters. The department is undergoing an administrative review of the actions involved.
Jacksonville Officer Arrested Following Traffic Stop Incident
JSO’s Commitment to Accountability Highlighted in Recent Arrest
Jacksonville, Florida – In a significant development, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters announced the recent arrest of a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) officer after a thorough internal investigation. The arrest stems from an incident involving Officer D. Bowers, who was caught on viral video breaking a car window and physically confronting a driver during a traffic stop.
This incident, which took place on July 20, 2025, quickly drew public attention, prompting Sheriff Waters to release the full body camera footage to ensure transparency. The video captured Officer Bowers striking driver William Anthony McNeil Jr. multiple times during the encounter. In light of the footage, the State Attorney’s Office conducted a review, ultimately concluding that none of the officers involved violated any criminal laws. However, Sheriff Waters confirmed that the actions of the deputies are under “administrative review” to explore potential violations of JSO policy.
Public Trust and Accountability
The arrest of Officer Bowers serves to reinforce the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s dedication to maintaining the public’s trust. Sheriff Waters has affirmed that the department is committed to ensuring that all personnel adhere to established policies and ethical guidelines. By taking decisive action, the JSO aims to uphold the integrity of the agency while addressing community concerns over law enforcement practices.
Recent Incidents and Trends
This incident is not isolated; it follows a series of events that have raised questions about the conduct of JSO officers. For instance, in January 2025, Officer Mindy Cardwell was terminated after an accidental firearm discharge during a traffic stop resulted in injuries to a driver. Earlier, in April 2024, former officer Kobe Collett was arrested on multiple charges, including money laundering related to a jail drug smuggling operation. These events underline the ongoing challenges faced by the JSO and the department’s proactive approach to rectify issues and restore public confidence.
The Path Forward for JSO
With public scrutiny at an all-time high, Sheriff Waters recognizes the critical need for transparency and accountability within the department. He has expressed the importance of enforcing rigorous standards of conduct among officers and has pledged that any misconduct will be addressed decisively. By focusing on these principles, the JSO aims to reinforce community trust and promote a safer environment for Jacksonville residents.
Civic Engagement in Law Enforcement
As Jacksonville continues to grow, local law enforcement leaders encourage civic engagement and community involvement in discussions around policing practices. Through forums, public meetings, and open dialogues, community members can voice their concerns and contribute to shaping policies that foster more effective policing while enhancing the safety of neighborhoods across the city. These efforts are crucial as they not only work towards improving law enforcement but also play a role in supporting the broader Jacksonville economy.
Conclusion
The recent arrest of Officer Bowers underscores both the challenges and the commitments facing the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Moving forward, it is essential for community members to stay engaged and support local initiatives that aim to improve public safety and accountability in law enforcement. As Jacksonville progresses, these discussions will contribute significantly to building a thriving and safe entrepreneurial environment that benefits all residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What led to the arrest of Officer D. Bowers?
The arrest followed a viral video showing Officer D. Bowers breaking a car window and physically confronting driver William Anthony McNeil Jr. during a traffic stop on July 20, 2025. The incident prompted an internal investigation by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO).
What was the outcome of the State Attorney’s Office review?
The State Attorney’s Office reviewed the incident and determined that none of the involved officers violated criminal law. However, Sheriff T.K. Waters stated that the deputies’ actions are under “administrative review” to assess potential violations of JSO policy.
What other incidents have occurred involving JSO officers?
In January 2025, Officer Mindy Cardwell was terminated after an internal investigation found that she accidentally discharged a firearm during a traffic stop, injuring the driver. In April 2024, former officer Kobe Collett was arrested on multiple charges, including money laundering and introducing contraband into a county detention facility, related to a jail drug smuggling operation.
How is Sheriff T.K. Waters addressing these incidents?
Sheriff Waters has emphasized the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability. He has stated that the JSO will continue to hold its employees accountable for any misconduct and will take appropriate action to uphold the integrity of the agency and restore public trust.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | July 20, 2025 |
| Officer Involved | Officer D. Bowers |
| Driver Involved | William Anthony McNeil Jr. |
| Nature of Incident | Physical confrontation during a traffic stop |
| Outcome of State Attorney’s Review | No criminal violations found; administrative review ongoing |
| JSO’s Response | Arrest of Officer Bowers; commitment to transparency and accountability |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Active JSO Officer Arrested Amid Internal Investigation
JSO Officer Arrested for False Imprisonment and Battery
Husband Charged with DUI After Fatal Golf Cart Accident in Florida
Retired NYC Restaurant Owner Charged with DUI After Wife’s Fatal Golf Cart Accident
Husband Charged with DUI After Wife’s Fatal Golf Cart Accident
Husband Charged with DUI After Wife’s Fatal Golf Cart Accident
Husband Charged with DUI After Wife’s Fatal Golf Cart Accident
Football Players Arrested in Miami Gardens Dormitory Robbery
Shooting Incident on New Kings Road Raises Safety Concerns
Courtroom Escape Attempt Leads to Additional Charges for Florida Man
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
