Famed lawyer Benjamin Crump advised the media at a press convention that William McNeil Jr.’s brutal beating and takedown by Jacksonville, Fla., sheriff deputies was a case of DWB — “driving whereas Black.”
McNeil, 22, is seen within the viral video sitting in his sedan throughout a visitors cease when an officer punched by means of the driving force’s aspect window and punched McNeil within the face a number of instances. He then snatched McNeil out of the automobile and slammed him to the bottom.
Deputy punches by means of the window to punch McNeil
McNeil mentioned he needed to talk with a supervisor
“I feared for my life,” McNeil advised ABC Information when requested why he didn’t get out of the automobile. He was pulled as a result of his lights had been off, however needed to talk with a supervisor. “I used to be scared, frightened. I grew up being advised that officers shield us, however that wasn’t the case.”
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Workplace has launched an inside investigation into the incident after the two-minute cellphone video captured by McNeil in February 2025 was splashed throughout nationwide headlines. On Monday, Jacksonville Sheriff T.Okay. Waters additionally launched physique digicam footage from two deputies who had been current on the scene of the arrest.
In February, McNeil was charged with McNeil was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, in addition to resisting an officer with out violence, based on the arrest report.
Crump needs deputy fired
Crump, one of many attorneys representing McNeil, has referred to as for the termination of the deputy who punched McNeil through the incident. Since that day in February, the state lawyer basic has not filed any costs in opposition to the officers.
“When you don’t terminate this officer and also you condone such a police extreme power, then it sends a message to all the different law enforcement officials on the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Workplace group. It tells them, it’s OK so that you can deal with residents like this, it’s okay to deal with Black motorists like this,” Crump mentioned. “In America, it isn’t OK.”
Jacksonville Sheriff T.Okay. Waters launched the physique cam footage of the officers on the scene of the violent episode.
“I’ll neither defend nor commend officer Bowers’ response to resistance till all of the info are recognized and the investigation is accomplished,” Waters mentioned at a press convention on Monday.
“Pending the end result of this administrative assessment, Officer Bowers has been stripped of his legislation enforcement authority,” Waters added.
McNeil suffers concussion
In the meantime, McNeil mentioned he suffered a concussion from the punches and that he has nightmares and is simply too scared to drive anymore.
“I don’t drive anymore,” he mentioned. “Simply because I don’t belief cops, anymore. I’m nonetheless scared. I can’t get sleep at evening due to trauma. I’ve flashbacks and nightmares.”
Lawyer Harry Daniels, who additionally represents McNeil, advised ABC Information that his consumer suffered “vital” accidents, together with reminiscence loss and a concussion, and plans to file a lawsuit.
“We’re going to take authorized motion. We’re going to pursue a civil grievance on this matter within the upcoming weeks,” Daniels mentioned within the ABC Information interview
When ABC Information reporter requested what justice appears like for him, McNeil mentioned, “combating for what’s proper, higher coaching for our officers and higher officers.”
“The result that we hope to see is justice,” he mentioned. “You understand, justice for all Black males, you realize, throughout America, internationally.”
McNeil’s mom, Latoya Solomon, is prayerful that her son is alive.
“I’m grateful to God for shielding him, as a result of I do know what the end result may have been,” Solomon mentioned
His stepfather, Alton Solomon, mentioned the viral online game him flashbacks to his youth and is simply too painful to look at.
“To see that video made me return to the second once I was 22. It harm,” he advised ABC Information.
