Jacksonville officer who punched William McNeil Jr. in viral arrest cleared of excessive force, returned to full duty

The Jacksonville, Florida, sheriff’s officer seen punching William McNeil Jr. during a viral traffic stop arrest has been cleared of excessive force and reinstated to full duty, according to findings released Friday.

Jacksonville officer returned to duty after viral punch of William McNeil during traffic stop

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office concluded that Officer Donald “D.J.” Bowers acted within agency policy during the Feb. 19 stop, reported News4Jax.

The State Attorney’s Office reached the same conclusion earlier, determining that Bowers acted lawfully and would not face criminal charges. With both reviews complete, the sheriff’s office restored his full law‑enforcement authority and returned him to regular patrol.

Reprimand Issued for Reporting Omission

Although investigators cleared Bowers of unnecessary force, they did sustain one administrative violation. Internal Affairs found that Bowers failed to document his initial strike to McNeil’s face in his Response to Resistance report. He received a Written Reprimand Level 1 for failing to meet work‑standards requirements, the outlet highlighted. Officials said the omission did not appear deceptive, and the case is now closed.

Viral Video of William McNeil Jr. Sparked National Outrage

Unheard Voices previously reported on the arrest which drew widespread attention after McNeil posted cellphone video online. The footage shows officers breaking his window, punching him, and dragging him from his SUV after he asked to speak with a supervisor. The clip spread rapidly, prompting millions of views and intense public scrutiny.

Officers said they stopped McNeil because his headlights were off during inclement weather. They also claimed he reached toward the floorboard, where they saw a large knife. McNeil denies reaching for anything and says he kept his hands raised.

Injuries and Civil Rights Concerns

McNeil, a biology major and marching band leader at Livingstone College in North Carolina, suffered a concussion, a chipped tooth, and required nine stitches in his lip. His attorneys say he also sustained a traumatic brain injury.

Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels, who represent McNeil, condemned the officers’ actions and had called for Bowers’ termination.

“This was a 21st‑century Rosa Parks moment,” Crump said in July.

“William was calm and compliant. Instead of answers, he got his window smashed and was punched in the face over a questionable claim about headlights in broad daylight.”

Prosecutors Say McNeil’s Refusal Escalated the Encounter

According to News4Jax, McNeil’s refusal to exit the vehicle and show identification created a dangerous situation. Her office wrote that citizens may challenge police actions through legal channels, but physical resistance “is not one of them.”

Prosecutors said Bowers’ open‑handed strike served a “legitimate tactical purpose” to gain compliance and show McNeil’s hands. They also said the second punch, delivered during the arrest, responded to McNeil’s physical resistance.

Federal Lawsuit Still Moving Forward

McNeil has filed a federal lawsuit against Bowers, additional officers, Sheriff T.K. Waters, and the City of Jacksonville. His attorneys argue the video shows McNeil posed no threat and was struck while seated and non‑resistant. They have also asked the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division to investigate potential violations of federal civil rights law.