Jacksonville woman to speak out for first time after bodycam footage of her violent arrest released
Share and Follow


In a move that has captured national attention, Erika McGriff is set to break her silence on Tuesday regarding the injuries she sustained during a controversial arrest. The incident, which was captured on bodycam footage, shows Officer Randy Holton punching McGriff and pulling her hair as he took her into custody.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Erika McGriff will stand alongside nationally known civil rights attorney Ben Crump at a press conference in Jacksonville Tuesday morning, marking the first time she’ll speak out publicly since her violent arrest last week.

McGriff, 39, will share her perspective after the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released bodycam footage of her arrest on Friday, which shows Officer Randy Holton yanking her hair and punching her during a takedown to the ground. Meanwhile, Crump and his legal team will share what they have uncovered so far in their investigation.

McGriff faces several charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence and operating a motor vehicle while having a revoked driver’s license, all third-degree felonies. The charges stem from a Tuesday, Oct. 7 incident outside the IDEA charter school located at 1845 Bassett Rd. in Jacksonville.

During a news conference on Friday, Sheriff T.K. Waters stated that McGriff has a history of traffic offenses, calling her a “habitual traffic offender.” He said that while driving with a revoked license, she illegally parked her running vehicle at an intersection near the school and left it unattended.

Crump is aiming to hold JSO accountable for what he describes as an excessive use of force against McGriff, who, according to him, was unarmed and posed no deadly threat.

In a statement, Crump called the footage “disturbing,” saying it is “another example of unnecessary and excessive force used against a Black woman during what should have been a routine encounter.”

Waters stated that Holton initially approached McGriff to have a conversation, but claimed she was non-compliant.

“She violently resisted Officer Holton and eventually punched him repeatedly and bit him with such force that she left a bite impression on his forearm,” Waters said.

Crump’s investigation is also focusing on footage where McGriff is heard saying “I can’t breathe” and “help” more than 20 times while on the ground.

“We send it to our use-of-force experts to review everything he (Holton) did during the process, and he followed the rules,” Waters said. “He followed the law.”

Jail records show McGriff was released from the Duval County Jail Oct. 9, two days after her arrest, and also show she is set to make her first court appearance Oct. 29.

First Coast News will livestream McGriff’s press conference with Crump from Sanctuary Mt. Calvary Church at 11:15 a.m. Click back on this story to watch it.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
North Korea fires ballistic missile days after Hegseth wraps South Korea visit

North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile Following Hegseth’s Recent Visit to South Korea

In a bold move that underscores ongoing tensions, North Korea launched a…
Supreme Court issues emergency order to block full SNAP food aid payments

Supreme Court Halts Full SNAP Benefits in Emergency Ruling: Impact on Millions

Approximately one in eight Americans relies on the food assistance program, which…
SNAP benefits don't cover healthier diet costs: Study

Study Reveals SNAP Benefits Fall Short in Covering Costs of Healthier Diets

As the government shutdown persists, 42 million low-income individuals relying on SNAP…
Ketanji Brown Jackson halts order requiring full SNAP payments, for now

Breaking: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Temporarily Blocks Full SNAP Payment Mandate

In a decisive move, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has issued…
Donald Trump wants NFL team to name $3.7billion stadium after him

Donald Trump Proposes Naming Rights for $3.7 Billion NFL Stadium

Reports have surfaced that Donald Trump is keen on having the Washington…
Judge rules Trump unlawfully ordered National Guard to Portland

Court Declares Trump’s National Guard Deployment to Portland Illegal

In a significant legal setback for former President Trump, a federal judge…
Car used by missing California girl's mom on road trip had license plates swapped to 'avoid detection'

Mother of Missing Melodee Buzzard Detained on Separate Charges

California authorities have apprehended the mother of a 9-year-old girl classified as…

Tragic Fall Claims Life of 65-Year-Old Man Near Grand Canyon’s Skywalk Attraction

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A tragic accident claimed the life of a 65-year-old…