Additional Coverage:
Jacksonville, FL – A federal lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges Jacksonville Sheriff’s officers violated the civil rights of William McNeil Jr., a 22-year-old Black college student, during a February traffic stop. The suit stems from a viral video showing an officer punching and dragging McNeil from his vehicle, sparking national outrage.
The lawsuit, filed by prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Harry Daniels, accuses the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office of fostering a culture of racial profiling and excessive force. It names Sheriff T.K.
Waters, Officers D. Bowers and D.
Miller, and the City of Jacksonville as defendants.
“It’s an unjustifiable, unnecessary, and unconstitutional use of force,” Crump stated, emphasizing the lawsuit’s aim to address McNeil’s treatment and reform local policing practices.
The incident began when Officer Bowers stopped McNeil for allegedly failing to turn on his headlights and wear a seatbelt, after observing McNeil’s SUV parked near a house under surveillance for suspected drug activity. McNeil questioned the stop and requested a supervisor.
Prosecutors, who declined to file charges against the officers, claim McNeil disobeyed a dozen “lawful commands.” However, Crump disputes this account, arguing McNeil remained calm while officers escalated the situation.
He likened the incident to attacks on Black individuals during the Civil Rights movement for asserting their rights.
Sheriff Waters, who is Black, has previously stated the viral video doesn’t tell the whole story and that McNeil was repeatedly asked to exit his vehicle. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office declined to comment on the pending litigation.
McNeil’s attorneys say he suffered a laceration to his chin and lip, a fractured tooth, and an ongoing traumatic brain injury. They also report he experiences PTSD symptoms, including nightmares and flashbacks. They have formally requested a Department of Justice investigation into the incident, citing “excessive force” and “systemic failures” by Jacksonville officials.