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

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

Florida man reportedly punched by police

The footage, released July 20 by attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels, captures 22-year-old William McNeil Jr. questioning why he was pulled 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 before 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.

What the man was charged with

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

Court records show McNeil was “adjudicated guilty” of resisting an officer without violence and driving with a suspended license. Citations for the headlight and seatbelt violations were dismissed.

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.