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State Attorney Clears Jacksonville Deputy Over Viral Arrest Video

McNeil’s lawyers plan a federal civil rights probe after prosecutors deemed the deputy’s force lawful.

William McNeil Jr.'s attorney Ben Crump, center, speaks while showing a still from a police body cam video during a press conference Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
A police officer searches William McNeil Jr, 22, who is pinned on the ground after he was pulled over during a traffic stop, at an unidentified location, in Florida, U.S. February 19, 2025, in this screenshot obtained from a handout video. Jacksonville Sheriff's Office/Handout via REUTERS/File photo
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Overview

  • The State Attorney’s Office concluded that Officer D. Bowers’ one-time open-handed strike was lawful and declined to file criminal charges.
  • Prosecutors described the viral cellphone video as incomplete and said body camera footage showed McNeil refused 12 lawful commands, creating a dangerous situation.
  • McNeil’s attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels condemned the ruling and intend to request a U.S. Department of Justice investigation.
  • Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters has launched an internal administrative review and stripped Bowers of law enforcement authority pending its outcome.
  • Authorities recovered marijuana, a knife, and paraphernalia in McNeil’s vehicle and charged him with resisting arrest and other traffic violations.