Traffic Stop Video Prompts Investigation into Use of Force

In a video recorded by a bystander, a recent traffic stop in northeast Florida has garnered attention, showing a handcuffed Black man, Le’Keian Woods, with swollen eyes and a bloody face, surrounded by law enforcement officers outside a vehicle. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the agency involved, has initiated an internal review of the incident to assess whether any policies were violated during Woods' arrest.

The 24-year-old Le’Keian Woods was subjected to force during his apprehension on Friday. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has acknowledged this and is currently conducting an administrative review to determine the specifics of the situation. In a statement, the sheriff's office emphasized its commitment to addressing any allegations of inappropriate use of force by its officers, underscoring the seriousness with which such matters are taken.

Given the ongoing investigation, the sheriff's office refrained from offering additional comments or details on the incident at this time.

The video, made public by Woods' attorney, Harry Daniels, displays at least three officers restraining Woods, who was lying face-down on the grass beside a car. Notably, at one point, an officer appears to forcefully push Woods' head into the ground. After his handcuffing, Woods is propped against an officer's legs, appearing unable to sit up independently, later struggling to stand.

Medical Treatment for Severe Concussion

According to Daniels, following his arrest, Le’Keian Woods received medical attention at a hospital for a severe concussion. Daniels emphasized his client's fortunate survival and the disturbing nature of the video evidence, stating, "If this video of the officers repeatedly assaulting Le’Keian, slamming his head in the ground and tossing him around like a ragdoll while he’s handcuffed and defenseless isn’t enough to convince you that these officers need to be off the street, just look at Le’Keian’s face. He looks like he just went 12 rounds with a professional boxer."

This incident follows a tragic event that occurred over a month ago when a white man, wearing a mask and brandishing a weapon featuring a swastika, targeted three Black individuals in a Dollar General store in a racially motivated attack within a predominantly Black neighborhood in Jacksonville.

Online records indicate that Le’Keian Woods is currently in custody, facing charges that include armed trafficking of methamphetamine, armed trafficking of cocaine, armed possession of a controlled substance, resisting an officer with violence, and violation of probation, among other charges.