Jacksonville, Florida — Prosecutors announced they will take no further action against a Jacksonville Sheriff’s deputy, Officer D. Bowers, who was caught on a viral video punching and dragging William McNeil Jr., a Black college student, during a February traffic stop.
What Happened
McNeil, a 22-year-old biology major at Livingstone College, was pulled over on February 19 for driving without his headlights on in daylight and not wearing a seatbelt. A dash-mounted cellphone camera recorded officers breaking the window of his vehicle and violently extracting him from his SUV—he was punched, dragged, and beaten. McNeil sustained a concussion, a broken tooth that pierced his lip, and required stitches.
Prosecutor’s Decision
The State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit concluded in a detailed memo that Officer Bowers’ actions did not constitute a crime. The memo explains the traffic stop was lawful, and that McNeil failed to comply with a dozen lawful commands—including multiple orders to exit the vehicle and present his license and registration. Based on body camera footage, interviews, and McNeil’s statements, the office deemed the use of force justified.
Sheriff T.K. Waters backed the findings, noting that McNeil’s refusal to comply escalated the situation, and emphasized that the cellphone video was “incomplete in scope” without the additional bodycam context.
Legal and Civil Rights Response
Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels, representing McNeil, sharply criticized the decision. Crump called the report “little more than an attempt to justify the actions of Officer Bowers and his fellow officers after the fact.” The legal team has announced plans to request a federal review by the U.S. Department of Justice, arguing the incident reflects systemic injustices in law enforcement treatment of Black individuals.
Administrative Consequences
Although cleared criminally, Bowers now faces an ongoing administrative review by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to determine whether his actions violated departmental policy.
Broader Context
The case has stirred intense public discourse about policing, systemic racism, and accountability. McNeil’s attorneys frame the incident as part of a troubling pattern of how Black Americans are treated during routine police encounters. The video’s circulation has galvanized demands for transparency and change in law enforcement practices.
Summary Table : Aspect Details
Incident Date: February 19, 2025
Viral Video Captured: Showing punching and dragging during traffic stop
Injuries Sustained: Concussion, chipped/broken tooth, lacerated lip
Prosecutor’s Conclusion: No criminal charges; force deemed justified
Defense Position: Violated norms; seeking DOJ review
Current Status: Administrative review ongoing
Significance: Highlights concerns about police behavior and racial justice
This incident underscores the tension between video documentation of forceful police encounters and subsequent legal interpretations of their lawfulness. While prosecutors have opted not to pursue charges, civil rights advocates remain determined to push for further investigation and accountability.
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