William McNeil, Jr., a 22-year-old victim in a now infamous violent traffic stop that involved the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, was the first to speak publicly about the experience that has left him with emotional and legal scars.
Speaking briefly and eloquently before a press conference Wednesday morning with his family and attorneys, McNeil, a college student and band leader, said a few words about what happened to him in the case that changed his life.
I was being pulled over, I had to get out of the car, and I know I did nothing wrong. I was just plain scared, McNeil, he explained in a cool but pained voice.
In the two-minute cellphone video that went viral, police brutally pulled McNeil out of his car and punched him several times during a traffic stop on February 19.
READ ALSO: Teen Accused of K!lling Maine Paddleboarder Posted “Doing Well” on Facebook After Murder
The footage caused an uproar in social media, with many people asking why the force was used in what was reported as an ordinary traffic stop.
McNeil appeared at the press conference alongside his mother, Latoya Solomon, and his stepfather, Alton Solomon, who both struggled to keep their composure.
“Months went by before I could watch that video to the finish,” said Latoya. Being a mother, you cannot imagine your child is being treated that way… it tears you. But I thank God that he saved him because I know what might have happened.”
Her voice broke when she remembered seeing her son lying helpless on the ground with officers all over him. It would have been yet another funeral. But that was not, and to that I am thankful.”
Shaken, Alton Solomon added, It was like viewing the video took me back to the time I was 22. It hurt. It was so painful.”
A Young Leader on the Bright Future
William McNeil is no ordinary person in the news. He is a senior biology major at Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, and the leader of the school’s celebrated marching band.
Friends and classmates depict him as being highly motivated, hard-working, and exceptionally goal-orientated both academically and in music.
According to one faculty member who spoke on condition of anonymity at Livingstone College, he is the type of student that wants to represent your institution. It is painful to watch him being treated like this.
Growing up, McNeil added, he heard that one does not confront them in the street but in the court. And that, that is, is what he now proposes to do.
Seeking Justice
In the press conference, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents McNeil, made an emphatic appeal to hold accountable.
Unless you fire this officer, unless you punish this kind of excessive force, Crump said, you send the message to all other officers that it is acceptable to treat citizens, especially Black motorists, this way. It is not all right in America.”
Crump expressed particular demands that Deputy D. Bowers, who is depicted in the video as smashing the window of McNeil and punching him on the head, should be fired.
Other counsel to McNeil, Harry Daniels, also affirmed that suit is in the offing.
Daniels said they are exploring all avenues available legally to get justice and accountability. No one deserves to go through what William went through, and we will not rest until change is brought.
Body Cam Footage disseminated
Following the outcry, Jacksonville sheriff T.K. Waters published body camera videos of the two sheriffs who made the arrest.
The video reveals how McNeil kept on insisting on the reason he was being pulled over, and then he refused to get out of the car. Deputy Bowers destroys the driver window, takes McNeil out of his car by force, and beats him up.
Though the video evidence was provided, the State Attorney Office indicated on Monday that no criminal misconduct was detected on the part of any of the deputies involved.
But the sheriff department has begun its own internal investigation, known as an administrative review, to see whether a policy was broken.
Sheriff Waters said, Officer Bowers has had his law enforcement authority stripped pending the result of this administrative review.
He went further to say, I will not defend or praise the actions of Officer Bowers until the investigation is finished and all the facts are out.
READ ALSO: McDonald’s Shift Turns Violent: Teen Sent Home for Refusing Trash Duty, Mom Shot by Manager
The Way Forward
As McNeil heals emotionally from the experience, he tells of being focused on his education, his music, and ensuring that a similar situation does not happen to another person.
He said, I have to be strong, both on my own behalf and on behalf of others who do not have this platform that I have.
The family of the McNeils is still made to insist on transparency and immediate disciplinary procedures. They have been supported by the local leaders, activists, and students countrywide.
As far as William McNeil is concerned, the justice fight is just starting, but so is his healing.
About The Author
