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
Trump bristles as Laura Ingraham asks if gold is from Home Depot

Laura Ingraham’s Home Depot Question Leaves Trump Unamused

Donald Trump recently unveiled the lavish ’24-karat gold’ accents in his newly…
California university students' third attempt to form TPUSA chapter denied

California University Students Face Third Rejection in Bid to Establish TPUSA Chapter

Efforts by students at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego to…
Last-minute addition to Congress spending bill could criminalize THC drinks

Congressional Spending Bill Surprise: Potential Ban on THC-Infused Beverages Looms

Proponents warn that this legislative change could severely impact the burgeoning hemp…
Grandmother allegedly kills 5-year-old grandson while driving impaired in family driveway

Tragic Driveway Incident: Impaired Grandmother Accused in Heartbreaking Death of 5-Year-Old Grandson

A devastating incident unfolded in Louisiana when a grandmother was taken into…
Former Gavin Newsom chief of staff charged in $225K fraud and corruption scheme, DOJ says

Ex-Newsom Aide Faces DOJ Charges in $225K Fraud and Corruption Scandal

In a dramatic turn of events, Dana Williamson, who once served as…
TSA worker sues to allow transgender officers to perform pat-downs

Transgender Rights in Focus: TSA Worker Files Lawsuit to Permit Inclusive Pat-Down Procedures

A transgender TSA officer in Virginia has taken legal action against the…
Jimmy Kimmel breaks down in tears honoring late bandleader, friend

Jimmy Kimmel’s Emotional Tribute: Late Bandleader and Friend Remembered in Tearful Monologue

It was an evening filled with heartfelt emotions as Jimmy Kimmel paid…
House votes to end longest shutdown in US history, sending bill Trump

House Approves Bill to Conclude Longest Government Shutdown in US History, Awaits President Trump’s Decision

In a significant move, Capitol Hill lawmakers have successfully passed a budget…