A viral video showing Jacksonville sheriff's deputies forcefully removing 22-year-old William McNeil Jr. from his vehicle during a February arrest has reignited discussions about police accountability. The footage, which circulated widely this week, depicts officers breaking McNeil's car window, punching him repeatedly, and dragging him to the ground.
Sheriff T.K. Waters confirmed the State Attorney's Office reviewed the incident and found no criminal violations by the deputies involved. The case highlights ongoing debates about use-of-force protocols in law enforcement, particularly following the global wave of police reform discussions after 2020's social justice movements.
While bodycam footage hasn't been released, the civilian-recorded video continues to draw attention on social media platforms. Legal experts note such cases often hinge on whether officers perceived an immediate threat during the traffic stop. The incident occurs as multiple US jurisdictions implement new de-escalation training requirements for law enforcement personnel.
