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Middleburg Today
By the People, for the People
Jacksonville Deputy Punches Black Man During Arrest
Viral video sparks new concerns over excessive force and lack of accountability within the sheriff's office.
Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:06am
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A viral video shows a Jacksonville Sheriff's Office deputy punching a Black man, Dasaun Williams, in the face during an arrest as part of a drug and gang investigation. Officials launched reviews but ultimately determined no laws were broken, despite the disturbing footage. The incident is part of a pattern of use-of-force incidents within the department, with little accountability.
Why it matters
The video of the deputy punching Williams raises serious concerns about excessive force and racial bias within the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. This is part of a broader pattern of concerning use-of-force incidents that have occurred with little meaningful accountability, further eroding public trust in the department.
The details
The incident occurred during an undercover drug and gang investigation in Middleburg, Florida. Body camera footage shows the deputy striking Williams in the face after he questioned why he was stopped and asked for a supervisor. Officials claim Williams refused commands and escalated the situation, but the video appears to show an unnecessary use of force.
- The incident occurred in November 2025 during 'Operation Red Light', a gang and drug investigation.
- The video went viral on social media in late March 2026.
The players
Dasaun Williams
A Jacksonville man who was violently arrested by a Jacksonville Sheriff's Office deputy, with the incident captured on viral video.
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency whose deputy was involved in the violent arrest of Dasaun Williams, raising concerns about a pattern of excessive force incidents within the department.
Ben Crump
A prominent civil rights attorney who is representing Dasaun Williams and has released a statement about the incident.
What they’re saying
“NEWS ALERT: @AttorneyCrump has been retained by Dasaun Williams after viral bodycam footage showed officers striking him, using a stun gun, and applying force while he was pinned to the ground during a Jacksonville Sheriff's Office operation in Middleburg, Florida.”
— Ben Crump, Civil Rights Attorney
What’s next
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has launched both administrative and criminal reviews of the incident, but the state attorney has already determined that no laws were broken. However, the disturbing video footage and the department's history of use-of-force incidents are likely to lead to continued scrutiny and calls for greater accountability.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the ongoing issues of excessive force and racial bias within the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, which has faced repeated scrutiny over its use-of-force practices. The lack of meaningful accountability, even in the face of disturbing video evidence, further erodes public trust and underscores the need for comprehensive reform within the department.
