A Traffic Stop Gone Wrong: The Story of William McNeil Jr.
A recent incident involving a traffic stop in Jacksonville has sparked national attention, with video footage capturing what many describe as excessive use of force by law enforcement. The event, which occurred on February 19, 2025, has led to the involvement of prominent civil rights attorneys and calls for accountability from both the public and officials.
William McNeil Jr., a 22-year-old man, was involved in the incident that has since gone viral on social media. The video shows McNeil being pulled over by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) due to an alleged violation of the state’s headlights law. According to the video, McNeil questioned the reason for the stop, noting that it was not raining and the sun was still out. An officer, who is not visible in the footage, responded by stating that it didn’t matter—headlights were still required.
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The situation escalated quickly when an officer asked McNeil to exit his vehicle. When McNeil requested to speak with a supervisor, another officer began smashing the car’s window with a baton until it shattered. The officer then punched McNeil in the head before unlocking the door and forcibly removing him from the driver’s seat. Once outside, multiple officers surrounded McNeil, with one grabbing his head and punching him in the chin before pushing him to the ground.
The video, which was posted on social media early Sunday, has already received hundreds of thousands of views online, drawing widespread condemnation and concern over the actions of the officers involved.
Civil Rights Attorneys Step In
In response to the incident, McNeil retained the services of nationally recognized civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels. Both have spoken out about the events captured in the video, expressing their outrage at the treatment of McNeil.
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Daniels stated that he was “absolutely disgusted” by the actions of the officers but added that he was not surprised given the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s history of similar incidents. He emphasized that McNeil was not a threat and was simply exercising his constitutional rights when he was subjected to violence.
Crump echoed these sentiments, saying that the video clearly shows McNeil was calm and not a danger to anyone. He argued that the officers’ actions were unjustified and that they should be held accountable for their conduct.
Response from Authorities
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters issued a statement addressing the video, acknowledging its circulation on social media. He confirmed that the sheriff’s office had launched an internal investigation into the incident and expressed a commitment to determining exactly what occurred. Waters also reiterated that the agency holds its officers to high standards.
Despite the public outcry, a spokesperson for the JSO told First Coast News that the department is unaware of any complaints matching the description of the video. This lack of immediate action has raised further questions about transparency and accountability within the department.
Legal and Public Reactions
Crime and safety expert Ken Jefferson, when asked about the legality of the traffic stop, pointed out that Florida law allows for a traffic stop only under specific conditions, such as fog, smoke, or rain. Based on the video, he noted that the weather conditions did not appear to justify the stop, suggesting that the initial reason for pulling McNeil over may have been questionable.
McNeil’s attorney, Harry Daniels, also highlighted the physical toll the incident took on his client. He mentioned that McNeil suffered a closed-head injury and required stitches after being slammed to the ground. Daniels emphasized that the ideal outcome would involve holding the officers accountable, including those who witnessed the incident but did nothing.
Calls for Change
Florida Representative Angie Nixon also addressed the incident on social media, stating that she reached out to the sheriff’s office to discuss the matter. Her involvement highlights the growing concern among local officials and residents about the treatment of individuals during traffic stops.
As the investigation continues, the case of William McNeil Jr. serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and reform in law enforcement practices. The public awaits further updates as the situation unfolds.
