The man who was pulled out of a car and beaten by Florida police officers during a viral traffic stop has spoken out for the first time about the incident as his attorneys call for more accountability.
“That day, I just really wanted to know why I was getting pulled over, and why I needed to step out of the car,” William McNeil Jr. told reporters about the Feb. 19 arrest that only recently gained traction online, sparking outrage and multiple official reviews.
“I know I didn’t do nothing wrong. I was really just scared, and that’s it,” he added.
His comments come just days after Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters released body camera footage of the arrest and said McNeil’s cellphone footage – taken from inside his car and capturing only a portion of the encounter – didn’t provide a full picture of what happened.
In multiple body cam videos, officers are seen smashing McNeil’s window and striking him multiple times after he locked himself inside his car and questioned why he had been pulled over.
The arresting officer said he had stopped the college student for a headlight and seatbelt violation. McNeil pleaded guilty to resisting police without violence and driving with a suspended license in connection with the February episode, court records show.
Waters said an internal review of the officers’ conduct is ongoing. D.J. Bowers, the officer who broke McNeil’s window and struck him at least twice, was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the agency’s review. A separate criminal probe undertaken by local prosecutors cleared the officers of any wrongdoing, Waters said.
McNeil’s attorneys at the July 23 news conference said the college student suffered permanent injuries from his arrest, including a fractured tooth that punctured his lip and required stitches. McNeil also sustained a concussion and remains under medical evaluation, said civil rights attorney Harry Daniels.
Ben Crump, who is also representing McNeil, said police “were banging his head against the concrete while he was in handcuffs.” He added, “This is not good policing. Nobody can say this is good policing.”
Get the Daily Briefing newsletter in your inbox.
The day’s top stories, from sports to movies to politics to world events.
The attorneys called on the sheriff’s office to fire the officer who struck McNeil at least twice and said they are exploring legal action.
Family members speak out about McNeil’s arrest
McNeil’s mother, Latoya Solomon, and his stepfather, Alton Solomon, were also at the news conference and appeared emotional when speaking about the incident.
Alton Solomon said he knows how his son felt because something similar happened to him when he was the same age.
“To see that is a hurt feeling,” he said through tears.
Latoya Solomon said she initially couldn’t watch the whole video and only watched it all recently.
“I’m thanking God for protecting him,” she said.
