First Coast News’ Crime and Safety Expert, Ken Jefferson, pointed out that some actions taken by the officer are debatable; however, the situation intensified partly due to William McNeil’s resistance.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Monday night, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters made public the footage from body-worn cameras used during a February traffic stop that has since gained widespread attention.
The footage was made available within 48 hours after 22-year-old William McNeil Jr. shared his perspective of the incident on social media. McNeil’s cellphone recording shows the moment officers broke his car window and struck him in the face during the traffic stop on February 19.
First Coast News spoke with our crime and safety expert, Ken Jefferson, about the incident. Jefferson said some of the officers’ actions are questionable, but McNeil’s resistance led to the escalation.
Jefferson watched the footage from Jacksonville sheriff’s officer Donald Bowers’ body camera, which recorded the traffic stop on McNeil.
“Is there a reason you’re pulling me over?” McNeil asks in the video.
“Absolutely, for one inclement weather and you’re not wearing a seatbelt,” Bowers responded.
In the bodycam footage, Bowers can be heard saying, “I’m not arguing with you. I’m telling you why I’m pulling you over. Give me your driver license. Registration and proof of insurance.”
McNeil said, “No, call your supervisor.”
“He’s now resisting and opposing a lawful order given by the police,” said Jefferson. “This is the beginning of a chain reaction. This is what started the whole thing.”
“Step out of the vehicle,” said Bowers.
McNeil responded, saying “No,” and slammed his door.
“Sir, this is your warning to open the vehicle and exit before we are going to break the window,” said Bowers.
“He tells him I’m gonna break the window. The officer is within his rights to do exactly what he just said because he’s not complying with the officer,” said Jefferson.
“I’m about to break the window,” said Bowers.
Another officer can be heard saying, “Go for it.”
“Exit the vehicle now! Exit the vehicle now! Show me your hands,” said Bowers.
Officers can also be heard saying, “Hands behind your back, stop resisting, you’re under arrest.”
McNeil responded, saying, “Y’all don’t have a lawful reason.”
Monday evening, Waters released the officers’ body camera video. He said the agency became aware of the incident after McNeil posted the now-viral video on social media over the weekend.
“When incomplete cell phone camera footage becomes the basis on which public opinion turns, the results can be faulty,” said Waters.
“In my opinion, the punch was unnecessary. It was not necessary to punch him in the face,” said Jefferson.
While Jefferson believes the force officers used may still be questionable, he said McNeil’s resistance led to the escalation.
“When you look at the totality of the whole situation, he provoked it. He provoked this incident by not complying with the officer,” said Jefferson.
Waters said Bowers has been stripped of his police duties pending the outcome of the investigation. The agency is conducting a criminal and administrative review of the officers’ actions.
