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The video has been viewed more than two million times and shows officers smashing a car window and hitting 22-year-old William McNeil Jr. in the face.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A now-viral video showing a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officer smashing a car window and hitting a man in the face during a traffic stop is drawing outrage from civil rights leaders and elected officials.
The video, which has garnered more than two million views, shows officers pulling over 22-year-old William McNeil Jr. on Feb. 19, 2025.
In the video, officers are seen breaking McNeil’s window and striking him during the arrest. The incident happened months ago, but only recently surfaced on social media — attracting national attention.
According to the police report, McNeil was pulled over after an officer observed him driving without headlights or taillights in rainy conditions. The report states McNeil resisted arrest.
“To look at a video and see an officer who was sworn to uphold the law to just put someone in the face as he has his hands up. It is very troubling,” said Isaiah Rumlin, president of the Jacksonville branch of the NAACP.
JSO said McNeil was given “several warnings” to step out of the vehicle before backup was called and the window was broken.
The Jacksonville NAACP says it’s been in direct communication with Sheriff T.K. Waters and is calling for the officers involved to be placed on leave while the internal investigation unfolds.
“But we will stay in constant contact with the sheriff to make sure that this is not swept under the rug and that the appropriate dictionary action is taken against these officers,” said Rumlin.
The Fraternal Order of Police responded to the video, suggesting that compliance may have prevented the situation from escalating.
“In these situations, it’s best for people to comply with the officers. This prevents the officer from using excessive force,” said Fraternal Order of Police President Randy Reaves.
But Florida State Rep. Angie Nixon sees it differently.
“I hear what people say but no — at the end of the day, he did not pose a threat, and he shouldn’t have been — his window should’ve been pushed out, and he should’ve been punched in the face, period,” said Nixon.
JSO has confirmed an internal investigation is underway. First Coast News will continue to follow this developing story.
