{"id":142995,"date":"2025-08-13T17:59:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T17:59:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/142995\/"},"modified":"2025-08-13T17:59:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T17:59:13","slug":"melissa-nelson-exonerates-cop-in-violent-jacksonville-traffic-stop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/142995\/","title":{"rendered":"Melissa Nelson exonerates cop in violent Jacksonville traffic stop"},"content":{"rendered":"

State Attorney\u00a0Melissa Nelson<\/strong><\/a> says a member of the Jacksonville Sheriff\u2019s Office (JSO<\/strong><\/a>) was not at fault in a Jacksonville\u00a0traffic stop<\/a><\/strong> that made global news via video showing it broke down into a physical confrontation.<\/p>\n

Nelson\u2019s Office released an investigative memorandum defending the actions of the arresting officer in the case of William McNeil Jr.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe State Attorney\u2019s Office has reviewed this matter to determine whether any of Officer Bowers\u2019 actions constitute a crime. We conclude they do not,\u201d Nelson\u2019s Office said.<\/p>\n

The SAO memo contextualizes arresting JSO officer Donald Bowers\u2019<\/strong> use of a \u201cone-time, open-handed strike to McNeil\u2019s face\u201d as consistent with proper police technique and having a \u201clegitimate tactical purpose \u2014 to get McNeil out of the SUV and to show his hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

The second strike, the memo argues, was because McNeil was resisting officers, despite \u201c12 individual, lawful orders\u201d to comply.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cMcNeil\u2019s refusal to provide his identification, registration, and proof of insurance, followed by his refusal to exit the SUV, show his hands, and obey the officers\u2019 orders, created a dangerous situation for all involved,\u201d the memo says.<\/p>\n

McNeil, meanwhile, has hired civil rights attorneys Ben Crump<\/strong> and Harry Daniels<\/strong> to represent him civilly.<\/p>\n

In the opinion of the State Attorney\u2019s Office (SAO), there was probable cause for a stop that evidence showed was justified.<\/p>\n

The SAO remarks that Bowers saw McNeil leaving a house near Edgewood and Commonwealth in Northwest Jacksonville that was \u201cknown for drug activity.\u201d Furthermore, a large serrated knife was in the floorboard of McNeil\u2019s SUV, while drug paraphernalia was found elsewhere in the vehicle.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is important we take this opportunity to emphasize public safety during traffic stops. The narrative surrounding this incident has stirred up misinformation and, frankly, dangerous advice on how to conduct oneself during a stop. The criminal justice system provides many avenues for citizens to challenge the actions of police officers; however, physical resistance is not one of them,\u201d Nelson said.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Going forward, she said it \u201cis vital for everyone\u2019s safety to comply with commands at the roadside and save the legal battle for the courtroom.\u201d<\/p>\n


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