The driver’s lawyer says the prosecutor ignored the client’s injuries and made excuses for what they believe was an “illegal” use of force.
Watch the viral video showing Jacksonville police punch driver
Florida State Legislature called the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office after officers showed officers attacking an unarmed black man during a traffic stop.
Scripps News -WFTS Tampa
Florida prosecutors cleared police officers involved in a severe traffic stop, attracting public attention when the video of the encounter went viral online, causing rage and some official reviews.
The State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit announced on August 14 that it would “not take any further action” against Officer Donald Bowers.
Prosecutors said Bowers’ use of force was justified and 22-year-old William McNeill Jr. refused to get out of the car despite repeated warnings and orders. In a 16-page investigation report, the State Attorney’s Office said McNeil “created a dangerous situation for himself and for law enforcement.”
McNeil’s lawyers Ben Crump and Harry Daniels said prosecutors did not interview McNeil and ignored multiple injuries, including missing teeth and a concussion. They also said they would request the Justice Department to investigate the case and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
“The state attorney’s office’s investigative memo from Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit is merely an attempt to justify the actions of Officer Bowers and his fellow officers after the facts,” McNeill’s lawyers said in a joint statement.
How did the violent traffic stops unfold?
The February 19 traffic stop started when the Bowers pulled over college student McNeill because they were not wearing a seatbelt and headlight violation. The investigation note also said that McNeill’s SUV had been previously discovered in a home under surveillance for “drug activity.”
After he was pulled, McNeil locked himself in his own car, refused an order to get out of the SUV and asked him to speak with the supervisor, body camera video shows. After some warnings, Bowers smashed McNeill’s window and smashed him into the head. McNeill was pulled out of the car and officers continued to attack him as he was brought to the ground.
The investigation report included details of an interview with Bauers, who described the punch as a “distracting blow.”
McNeill’s lawyers said the language used in the report excuses what they believe is “illegal” use of force.
According to the sheriff’s office, in search of McNeill and his SUV, officers found knife and marijuana. McNeill pleaded guilty to resisting officers without violence and driving with a suspended license, court records show. A charge of possession of marijuana and multiple traffic violations have been denied.
What did McNeil say about his encounter with the police?
McNeill and his family spoke about the violent traffic stops and called for accountability.
“That day, I really wanted to know why I was pulled and why I had to get out of the car,” McNeill said at a July press conference. “I know nothing wrong. I was really scared. That’s all.”
At the same press conference, his stepfather, Alton Solomon, said he knew how his son felt the day because something similar happened to him when he was the same age.
“That’s what hurts,” he said in tears.
McNeill is receiving financial support as traffic ceased. According to the fundraiser web page, the GoFundMe created to cover medical and legal costs exceeds $21,000.
Contributor: Scott Butler, Florida Times Union
