Black Man Files Federal Lawsuit Against Florida Sheriff’s Office After Being Punched During Traffic Stop

By Ronald Rodriguez Last updated Sep 11, 2025

Jacksonville, FL – A federal lawsuit has been filed by attorneys representing William McNeil Jr., a 22-year-old Black man who was punched by a white police officer during a traffic stop in Florida on February 19. The suit seeks $100,000 in damages and names Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officers along with the city as defendants.

The lawsuit alleges that McNeil was subjected to unwarranted and excessive physical force by Officer D. Bowers after McNeil refused to exit his vehicle. The incident was partially captured on McNeil’s cellphone, which shows the events as they unfolded at the traffic stop.

Details Surrounding the Incident

According to the court filing in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division, McNeil was stopped originally for allegedly not having his headlights on. However, the video evidence indicates that the traffic stop occurred during daylight, without rain or adverse weather conditions that would legally require headlights under Florida law.

McNeil remained in his car with the seatbelt fastened, requesting to speak with a sergeant
Officer Bowers forcibly broke the driver-side window and punched McNeil in the face
McNeil claims the punch fractured a tooth and caused a traumatic head injury
Despite the injury, McNeil did not file a complaint or show his video to the sheriff’s office
McNeil later pleaded guilty to resisting a police officer and driving on a suspended license

“This was an unlawful stop,” said McNeil’s attorney Harry Daniels at a news conference. “He was stopped unjustly and we can unequivocally say it was not raining.”

McNeil himself expressed hope that his story would gain attention, emphasizing the need to address police conduct.

Lawsuit Allegations and Department Response

The lawsuit challenges the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office policies, contending they allow officers to use excessive force against individuals not posing any immediate threat and fail to require reporting when force is applied.

Named defendants include officers D. Bowers, D. Miller, Sheriff Thomas Kevin Waters, and the city of Jacksonville. Sheriff Waters has maintained that McNeil’s refusal to comply with officer commands was criminal resistance, a stance supported by the state attorney’s decision to clear the officers of criminal wrongdoing.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, and the city of Jacksonville did not respond to media inquiries.

Federal Inquiry and Civil Rights Concerns

This lawsuit follows a recent letter sent by McNeil’s legal team to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, requesting an investigation into whether McNeil’s civil rights were violated during the encounter.

“We believe he was wrongly pulled over and unlawfully assaulted,” the letter states, urging federal oversight.

The case highlights continued concerns regarding police use of force in traffic stops, especially involving minority individuals.

Key Takeaways and Broader Implications

The incident raises questions about the necessity and legality of traffic stops based on alleged minor infractions, such as headlights during daylight hours.
It also spotlights allegations of excessive force and departmental policies that may enable such behavior.
The lawsuit and federal inquiry could prompt greater scrutiny of law enforcement conduct in Jacksonville and potentially influence policing reforms.

For more details about the lawsuit and ongoing developments, visit the original coverage by NBC News here.

What do you think about this lawsuit and the issues it raises regarding police conduct? Share your thoughts in the comments below!