NASSAU COUNTY, Fla.—A Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) deputy has been arrested and charged with battery and official misconduct after an internal investigation into his use of force during an arrest.
Deputy William Woods, 32, was taken into custody on Tuesday, September 2. The charges stem from a July 6 incident where Woods responded to a report of an intoxicated person. After arresting the man, who was secured in handcuffs inside Woods’ patrol vehicle, the arrestee began striking his head against the door.
According to the NCSO’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Woods opened the door, pulled the individual out, and caused him to fall onto the pavement. The fall resulted in a head injury and a loss of consciousness for the arrestee.
The incident was reviewed after the Public Defender’s Office noted inconsistencies between Woods’ written report and his body-worn camera (BWC) footage. Woods had reported that the arrestee lunged from the vehicle and fell. However, the BWC footage showed that Woods forcibly pulled the handcuffed individual out, causing the fall.
“When actions fall short of our standards and the public’s trust is compromised, we have a duty to hold our own accountable,” said Sheriff Bill Leeper.
Woods, who had been with the agency since 2016, has been terminated as a result of the charges.
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