Jacksonville Deputies Cleared Criminally in Viral Arrest; Officer Stripped of Authority Amid Ongoing Review

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters announced yesterday, July 21, that the State Attorney’s Office has found no criminal wrongdoing by deputies involved in the controversial February 19, 2025, arrest of William Anthony McNeil Jr. The incident, captured in a viral cell phone video and later supplemented by body camera footage, showed deputies repeatedly punching McNeil during a traffic stop.

Despite the absence of criminal charges, Sheriff Waters confirmed that an administrative review is actively underway to determine if the deputies violated Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) policy. As a result, Officer D. Bowers, identified as the deputy who broke McNeil’s car window and punched him, has been stripped of his law enforcement authority pending the outcome of this review. It remains unclear if other involved deputies have also been placed on administrative leave.

The arrest stemmed from a traffic stop where McNeil, 22, was pulled over for alleged headlight and seatbelt violations. Video footage shows McNeil questioning the stop and refusing to exit his vehicle, citing fear of police. After backup was called, Deputy Bowers is seen breaking the window and punching McNeil, who was then pulled from the vehicle and further assaulted by multiple deputies.

McNeil was subsequently arrested and charged with resisting arrest without violence, marijuana possession, driving with a suspended license, and traffic infractions. He pleaded guilty to resisting arrest without violence and driving with a suspended license, serving two days in jail.

Attorney Harry Daniels, representing McNeil, stated on Monday that his client plans to pursue legal action, emphasizing McNeil’s significant injuries and a commitment to seeking accountability. Sheriff Waters, while defending the necessity of compliance with officers, acknowledged the ‘ugly’ nature of the force used and reiterated that the administrative investigation into JSO policy violations is ongoing.

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