Body Cam Footage of Jacksonville Arrest Released Amidst Controversy
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters announced on Monday that he would be releasing the body-worn camera footage of an arrest that took place on Friday. The decision was made in response to significant public interest surrounding the incident. Waters emphasized that the footage was necessary to provide context, as the cell phone footage circulating on social media was deemed devoid of important details.
Contrary to claims made on social media, Waters clarified that the detective involved in the arrest did not kick the suspect, 24-year-old Le’keian Woods. Waters acknowledged that force had been used during the arrest, but emphasized that the use of force should not automatically be equated with unlawfulness. He stated, Just because it’s ugly doesn’t mean it’s unlawful.
The body camera video revealed that two individuals who were in the truck with Woods were detained without incident. However, Woods chose to flee from the officers. When the officer warned Woods that he would be tasered, Woods continued to run. Efforts to subdue him with a taser were initially ineffective, but he ultimately fell face-first onto the pavement after a second taser deployment.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), Woods is currently on felony probation in Leon County. In 2018, he was arrested for murder but later pleaded guilty to an amended robbery charge. JSO claimed that after witnessing a drug deal, they stopped the truck Woods was traveling in and discovered a firearm, cocaine, and oxycodone.
As a result of the incident, Woods has been arrested for armed trafficking in meth and cocaine, as well as armed possession of a controlled substance. He now faces additional charges for violating his probation in Leon County.
Sheriff Waters has announced that JSO will release the footage to the public on their social media channels and transparency page. The move is aimed at providing transparency and allowing the public to view the events in their entirety.
The release of this body cam footage comes amidst a wave of controversy and public scrutiny over the use of force by law enforcement officers. Proponents of police reform argue that incidents like these underscore the need for greater accountability and transparency in policing, while others contend that law enforcement officers often face split-second decisions that require the use of force in order to protect themselves and the public.
As the conversation surrounding police practices continues, the public’s ability to view detailed footage of arrests like the one in Jacksonville will undoubtedly play a role in shaping public opinion and influencing the ongoing push for change.
