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
US appeals court upholds hate crime convictions of 3 white men in 2020 killing of Ahmaud Arbery

US Appeals Court Confirms Hate Crime Convictions in Ahmaud Arbery’s 2020 Murder

A federal appeals court has firmly upheld the hate crime convictions of…
Islam Makhachev, Zhang Weili seek spots in exclusive club at UFC 322

Islam Makhachev and Zhang Weili Aim for Elite Recognition at UFC 322

Although Islam Makhachev and Zhang Weili no longer officially hold titles in…
Illinois SNAP benefits: Greater Chicago Food Depository holds free food giveaways; Brandon Johnson signs executive order

Chicago Expands Access to Free Food: New Initiatives and SNAP Benefits Boosted by Executive Action

On a chilly Saturday morning, a significant number of Chicago residents gathered…
Michael J. Fox, Kate Bosworth, Nikki Glaser and more

Michael J. Fox, Kate Bosworth, and Nikki Glaser Among Notable Personalities Making Waves

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research hosted its yearly fundraising…
911 audio captures moment CEO and daughter nosedive into Florida lake

Chilling 911 Audio Reveals CEO and Daughter’s Harrowing Plane Crash into Florida Lake

The harrowing 911 call recorded the tumultuous aftermath of a fatal plane…
Democrat congresswoman received texts from Epstein during hearing

Democratic Congresswoman Receives Texts from Epstein During Congressional Hearing

Newly surfaced documents reveal that Democratic Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett was texting convicted…
Marjorie Taylor Greene is hit with DEATH THREATS 'egged on by Trump'

Marjorie Taylor Greene Faces Alarming Death Threats Amid Controversial Trump Allegations

Marjorie Taylor Greene has reported receiving numerous death threats over the past…
'I'm worried': Durkeeville resident voices concerns amid Emerald Trail updates

Durkeeville Resident Expresses Concerns Over Emerald Trail Developments

Residents from North Riverside to Durkeeville came together on Saturday to see…