News Summary
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has disclosed key details and bodycam footage from a violent traffic stop involving William McNeil Jr. He was arrested for allegedly not using headlights and not wearing a seatbelt. The incident escalated when officers broke the window of McNeil’s vehicle and used physical force, leading to public outcry and discussions about police conduct. An internal investigation is currently underway while McNeil’s civil rights attorneys contend that the police actions were excessive.
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Releases Details and Bodycam Footage from Violent Traffic Stop Involving 22-Year-Old William McNeil Jr.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has revealed key details and bodycam footage regarding a controversial traffic stop involving 22-year-old William McNeil Jr.. The incident occurred on February 19, 2025, when McNeil was pulled over for allegedly not using his headlights and for failing to wear a seatbelt. Following the stop, McNeil was arrested and faces multiple charges, including resisting an officer without violence, driving with a suspended license, and drug-related offenses.
Attention to the incident was heightened after a video shared by McNeil on social media quickly gained traction online. The footage appears to show officers breaking the window of McNeil’s vehicle and striking him in the face. An arrest report indicates that McNeil became verbally combative and refused to exit his vehicle, prompting the officers to apply physical force during the encounter.
Bodycam footage from the officers’ perspective shows McNeil wearing his seatbelt while they approached his car. The report cites that McNeil was “reaching for the floorboard,” where a large knife was allegedly located, although this claim is disputed by McNeil’s attorney. In the footage, officers can be seen hitting McNeil while he is on the ground and seemingly not combative, raising questions about the necessity and appropriateness of the force used.
There are noticeably no details in the police report addressing specific types of force exerted on McNeil while he remained inside the vehicle. However, Sheriff T.K. Waters noted that the State Attorney’s Office cleared the officers of any criminal misconduct linked to the incident. He stated that the viral video does not reflect the entire context of what transpired during the traffic stop.
Following this incident, McNeil sustained various physical injuries, including a chipped tooth and a concussion. His civil rights attorneys have labeled the actions of the officers as excessive and argued that McNeil was calmly asserting his rights during the interaction.
Ongoing Investigations and Reactions
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an internal investigation to examine the use of force during the traffic stop. Simultaneously, the outcome of the related criminal investigation is still forthcoming. Remarkably, the sheriff’s office did not receive any complaints from McNeil prior to the video gaining widespread attention on social media.
In the wake of the incident, McNeil chose to hire civil rights attorneys who are known for representing individuals affected by police violence, indicating potential legal actions based on the officers’ conduct during the traffic stop. Additionally, local legislators and public figures have voiced their concerns regarding police accountability, highlighting the importance of reviewing practices surrounding law enforcement interactions with the public.
As this case continues to develop, the responses from the community and law enforcement agencies remain pivotal in shaping the broader conversation around police conduct in Jacksonville and beyond.
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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.
