Florida Police Under Fire After Officer Smashes Car Window, Hits Driver

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has launched an internal investigation after viral video showed an officer smashing a man’s car window and hitting him during a February 19 traffic stop.

The video shows 22-year-old William McNeil Jr. calmly questioning officers about why he was pulled over, reportedly for not having headlights on. After requesting a supervisor, one officer abruptly shattered McNeil’s window and struck him. McNeil was then pulled from the car and arrested.

Police say McNeil reached for a knife on the floorboard. Officers also recovered marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Civil rights attorneys Harry Daniels and Ben Crump are representing McNeil, arguing he posed no threat and was asserting his constitutional rights. The sheriff’s office says the incident is under review.