Prosecutors clear Florida officer who punched man in traffic stop

August 14, 2025

A Florida police officer who was suspended for punching William McNeil Jr. during a traffic stop has been cleared of criminal charges by state prosecutors. The officer, D Bowers, had pulled over McNeil in February for traffic violations, leading to a confrontation where McNeil refused multiple commands to exit his vehicle.

Who is affected

William McNeil Jr., the 22-year-old driver who was punched and arrested
Officer D Bowers of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
The State Attorney's Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida

What action is being taken

The State Attorney's Office is declining to file criminal charges against Officer Bowers
McNeil's lawyers, Ben Crump and Harry Daniels, are requesting that the U.S. Department of Justice investigate the incident
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has temporarily stripped Officer Bowers of law-enforcement duties pending an internal review

Why it matters

This case highlights tensions between police authority during traffic stops and citizens' rights, raising questions about appropriate use of force. The stark contrast between McNeil's viral cell phone video and the police body camera footage demonstrates how partial documentation can shape public perception differently than complete evidence. The incident has potential implications for law enforcement policies regarding traffic stops and escalation of force, particularly when suspects refuse to comply with orders.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond McNeil's lawyers requesting a U.S. Department of Justice investigation and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office continuing its internal review of whether Officer Bowers violated any departmental policies.

Read full article from source: BBC