Florida Officer Cleared After Punching Man During Traffic Stop Sparks Outrage
Prosecutors in Florida have cleared Officer Bowers of any wrongdoing after he was filmed punching a driver during a traffic stop. The incident, which garnered attention after a video captured the officer’s actions, stemmed from a traffic stop where the driver, William McNeil Jr., refused to comply with the officer’s commands. According to the State Attorney’s Office, body camera footage supported the officer’s account, showing multiple warnings before the window was broken and force was used during the arrest. Despite Mr. McNeil’s claims of injury and the release of his own video, prosecutors determined the officer’s actions were justified, with McNeil later pleading guilty to resisting an officer and driving with a suspended license.
John Q. Hosedrinker