Home / Crime and Justice / Black Man Punched, Dragged from Car During Controversial Traffic Stop
Black Man Punched, Dragged from Car During Controversial Traffic Stop
22 Jul
Summary
- Cellphone footage shows deputies breaking window, punching and dragging Black man
- Lawyers accuse authorities of fabricating arrest report
- Man charged with resisting arrest, driving with suspended license, and marijuana possession
On February 19th, a disturbing incident occurred in Florida during a traffic stop that has since sparked nationwide outrage. Cellphone footage shows Jacksonville deputies breaking the window of a car, punching, and dragging a 22-year-old Black man, William McNeil Jr., from the vehicle.
According to the video, McNeil had his hands up and was calmly asking the deputies for their reason to pull him over when the violent encounter began. His lawyers, Ben Crump and Harry Daniels, have accused the authorities of fabricating the arrest report, stating that McNeil was "calm and compliant" despite being charged with resisting arrest, driving with a suspended license, and possession of marijuana.
The sheriff's office has defended the deputies' actions, claiming the cellphone footage does not capture the full context of the situation. However, civil rights advocates argue that this incident is a "disturbing reminder that even the most basic rights -- like asking why you've been pulled over -- can be met with violence for Black Americans."
