Florida Sheriff Responds to Deputy Striking Suspect During Traffic Stop

Incident Overview

• 📌 A Florida sheriff is addressing a viral cell phone video showing a suspect being struck by a deputy during a traffic stop.
• 💡 The incident occurred in February when deputies initiated a stop for alleged inclement weather violations and a seatbelt infraction.

Suspect's Non-Compliance

• 🚗 The suspect, William McNeel Jr., disagreed with the deputy's reasons for the stop and refused to provide his license and registration.
• 💥 Deputies broke the car window to extract the suspect after he refused to exit and shut the door.
• 🔍 The arrest report states the suspect was reaching for the floorboard, where a large knife was later discovered.

Investigation and Legal Outcomes

• ⚖️ The sheriff stated the incident is under investigation and declined to comment on the deputy's specific actions.
• ✅ The Florida State Attorney's Office found the deputy did not act criminally but is reviewing department policy adherence.
• 🗣️ The sheriff believes the suspect released the video to provoke public anger, highlighting McNeel's non-compliance within 21 seconds of the stop.
• 📉 McNeel pleaded guilty to resisting an officer without violence and driving with a suspended license, with other charges dismissed.
• 📅 He was sentenced to two days in jail.

Defense Claims

• ✊ Attorneys for McNeel, Ben Crump and Harry Daniels, allege the traffic stop was racially motivated.