The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) has opened an internal investigation following the circulation of a viral video depicting officers breaking a driver's window and striking him during a February traffic stop, according to News 4 JAX. The footage, posted to social media by 22-year-old Will McNeil Jr. on Sunday, shows a contentious encounter that reportedly occurred on February 19, 2025, in Jacksonville's Woodstock neighborhood.

According to the arrest report, McNeil was pulled over at approximately 4:17 p.m. for driving without headlights during inclement weather—a claim McNeil disputes in the video, stating, "There's no rain." The situation escalated when McNeil, after questioning the legality of the stop, refused to provide his license and registration, instead requesting a supervisor. Officers allege he became "verbally combative" and locked his car doors, prompting one deputy to shatter the driver’s-side window, News 4 JAX reports.

The video captures an officer striking McNeil in the face before forcibly removing him from his SUV. McNeil can be heard repeatedly asking, "What is your reasoning?" as multiple officers appeared to push him to the ground. JSO’s report claims McNeil resisted arrest and appeared to reach for a potential weapon under his seat, justifying the use of force. However, the footage does not clearly show these actions.

McNeil’s attorneys confirmed he sustained injuries, including a chipped tooth, concussion, and short-term memory loss, requiring stitches. Despite initially facing charges for resisting arrest (without violence) amid other infractions. McNeil was then taken to jail, with citations for the traffic violations later dismissed.

JSO released a statement acknowledging the video. 

“The video that preceded the statement by the sheriff was brought to our attention earlier today,” the statement reads. “As it is Sunday, those who are responsible for reviewing instances such as this are not in the office. I am not sure when or where this incident took place, or who is involved – the individual sitting in the driver’s seat or the officers shown.” 

The incident has drawn scrutiny from civil rights advocates, including State Rep. Angie Nixon, who pledged to formally address JSO about potential misconduct. High-profile attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels have since announced they will represent McNeil.