Police break Florida man’s car window and physically confront him during a traffic stop, as seen in a viral video.

A Florida man has retained prominent civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels following a troubling incident during a traffic stop in Jacksonville, involving sheriff’s deputies. This incident, which was recorded on a dashcam and subsequently went viral, has drawn widespread public attention and calls for accountability from various civil rights organizations.

The attorneys associated with the case released the footage over the weekend, which has amassed over two million views across social media platforms. The individual at the center of the incident, Will McNeil Jr., claims that he has no prior criminal history in Jacksonville and alleges he sustained significant injuries during the encounter. According to McNeil, these injuries included a chipped tooth, a laceration requiring nine stitches, and a concussion that resulted in temporary memory loss.

In response to growing concerns, the Duval County Sheriff’s Office has initiated an investigation into the conduct of the officers involved. Sheriff T.K. Waters acknowledged the video circulating online and emphasized that the department upholds high standards for its officers. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to conducting a thorough examination of the events that transpired during the traffic stop on February 19, 2025.

According to reports from “Media News Source,” the traffic stop occurred around 4:15 p.m. when McNeil was pulled over for allegedly not having his headlights illuminated during inclement weather. However, McNeil contends that it was daytime with clear visibility, and several other vehicles were also not using their headlights at the time.

The released video initiates with McNeil sitting in the driver’s seat while engaged in conversation with an individual outside the view of the camera. An officer positioned near the driver’s side window asserts that regardless of the prevailing conditions, McNeil is required to operate his headlights. During the exchange, McNeil requests a supervisor’s presence, after which the situation escalates dramatically. Without warning, the officer seemingly smashes McNeil’s window, physically removes him from the vehicle, and repeatedly strikes him, all while issuing commands to exit the vehicle and stop resisting.

Contrastingly, the police report fails to document the use of force, suggesting instead that McNeil had reached for a knife. Moreover, while the report also noted that McNeil was not wearing a seatbelt, the video depicted an officer unbuckling his seatbelt immediately prior to dragging him from the vehicle.

The growing scrutiny of this incident has prompted civil rights advocates to demand a comprehensive investigation, calling for accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices. The implications of the events captured in this video extend beyond Jacksonville, reflecting broader national conversations about the dynamics of policing and community relations. The Duval County Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to transparency in this ongoing investigation will be closely monitored by both local residents and state observers.