Florida Man Sues Jacksonville Officers Alleging Brutal Beating After Traffic Stop Chase

Alleges Racial Profiling and Use of Excessive Force in Federal Lawsuit

Le’Keian Woods, a 25-year-old Florida resident, has filed a federal lawsuit against three Jacksonville sheriff’s officers, alleging they used excessive force after he fled a traffic stop in September 2023. The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, claims the officers inflicted permanent injuries on Woods, leaving him with a ruptured kidney, migraines, and severe eye pain. The case has sparked local protests and raised concerns over alleged racial profiling and police brutality.

Details of the Alleged Assault

The lawsuit names Jacksonville officers Hunter Sullivan, Trey McCullough, and former officer Josue Garriga as defendants. Woods claims the officers beat him with punches, elbows, and knees, causing significant bodily harm. The incident was partially captured on body camera footage, which showed Woods attempting to evade capture before officers subdued him. A fourth officer, Beau Daigle, is also being sued for pointing a gun at Woods during the confrontation.

Attorney Harry Daniels criticized the officers’ actions, claiming that they used a minor seat-belt infraction as a pretext for the stop. “This is a clear case of a miscarriage of justice and racial profiling,” Daniels said. Woods was accused of selling cocaine at a gas station, but those charges were later dropped.

Sheriff’s Office Defends Actions

Sheriff T.K. Waters defended his officers, asserting that the use of force was necessary to ensure safety. In a press conference days after the arrest, Waters said, “Just because force is ugly does not mean it is unlawful.” Waters, who is Black, announced that no officers would face disciplinary actions. The sheriff’s office has not commented on the lawsuit, and the Fraternal Order of Police union has not responded to media inquiries.

Ongoing Investigations and Dropped Charges

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division investigated the incident, ultimately concluding that the officers’ actions did not meet the threshold for federal prosecution. Daniels, however, criticized the DOJ’s investigation, calling it inadequate and stating that his team would appeal the decision.

Originally, Woods faced several charges, including resisting arrest with violence and armed trafficking in drugs. Six months later, however, prosecutors dropped these charges, with Woods only pleading guilty to a lesser charge of resisting arrest without violence.

Previous Incidents Involving Officers

The lawsuit also sheds light on previous misconduct involving the officers. Garriga, who initially claimed he saw Woods selling drugs, was unable to testify because of unrelated criminal charges. Earlier this year, Garriga pleaded guilty to federal charges involving an inappropriate relationship with a minor. Officer Sullivan has also faced suspension previously for an off-duty altercation at a bar in 2020.