Viral video shows Florida officers reportedly punch man after he questions why headlights were required in daylight

A video has gone viral reportedly showing Florida police officers punching a Black man during a February traffic stop. The incident has prompted an internal investigation by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Florida man reportedly punched by police

Attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels released footage on July 20 that shows 22-year-old William McNeil Jr. questioning why police pulled him over for allegedly driving without headlights in broad daylight. Moments later, an officer smashes the driver’s side window and punches McNeil in the face. McNeil is then forcibly removing him from the vehicle.

McNeil, who had his seatbelt fastened and hands visible, repeatedly asked officers for the legal basis of the stop and requested a supervisor. The video shows him remaining seated and non-combative as officers escalate the encounter. One officer is seen punching McNeil again after pulling him from the SUV, while another shouts, “Stop fighting,” despite no visible resistance.

Charges

Police cited McNeil for driving without headlights or a seatbelt in inclement weather, according to the arrest report. Officers claimed he was verbally combative, refused to provide identification, and reached for a knife on the floorboard during the arrest.

Court records show that officials found McNeil guilty of resisting an officer without violence and driving with a suspended license. They dismissed the citations for the headlight and seatbelt violations.

Florida man reportedly punched by police suffered injuries

Crump and Daniels say McNeil sustained a chipped tooth, a concussion, and required multiple stitches after the incident.

“It should be obvious to anyone watching this video that William McNeil wasn’t a threat to anyone,” Crump said. “He was calmly exercising his constitutional rights and they beat him for it”.

Investigation

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters confirmed an internal investigation is underway.

“We hold our officers to the highest standards and are committed to thoroughly determining exactly what occurred,” Waters said in a statement.