JSO investigating use of force by officers on injured suspect in custody seen in viral video

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced an investigation into the officers involved after video and pictures circulated on social media showing a man in handcuffs with blood on his face and swollen eyes due to a possible violent encounter with police.

An over 5-minute video that circulated on social media Friday showcases the alleged arrest of 24-year-old Le’Keian Woods near the area of Toledo Rd. and Powers Ave. Friday.

The video showcases Woods on the ground surrounded by several Jacksonville Sheriff’s Officers as they forcefully place handcuffs on him. The video does not show what led up to the incident.

On Saturday, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters released a statement involving this incident, saying that officers are being investigated to see if the use of force was necessary.

“Yesterday, JSO officers were involved in an incident near Toledo Road and Powers Avenue in which force was used taking a subject into custody. The agency takes all allegations of inappropriate use of force by JSO officers seriously. As such, this incident is now under administrative review to determine if the involved officers violated any JSO policy. Because the matter is currently under investigation, the agency cannot comment further about the incident until the investigation is completed.”

As per records from the Duval County jail, Woods is facing charges that include:

• Armed Traffic in Amphetamine or Methamphetamine - 14 Grams or More
• Armed Traffic in Cocaine - 28 Grams or More But Less Than 150 Kilograms
• Armed Possession of Controlled Substance
• Resisting Officer with Violence
• Alter, Destroy, Conceal, or Remove Records, Documents or Physical Evidence
• Possess Controlled Substance Without Prescription
• Violation of Probation or Community Control - Felony Offense
• Violation of Probation or Community Control

Harry Daniels, the attorney representing Woods stated that the 24-year-old was allegedly pulled over for an alleged seatbelt violation.

“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,” says Daniels. “He looks like he just went 12 rounds with a professional boxer. He’s lucky to be alive.”

The Jacksonville Community Action Committee released a statement on the incident Saturday.

“It is disturbed and outraged over the JSO Gang Unit’s brutalization of 24-year-old Le’Keian Woods. We are demanding all officers involved in this beating are held accountable. We are calling for the immediate disbandment of the failed JSO gang unit. We are demanding the implementation of a public safety committee which would give the community a seat at the table to review public safety policies that impact our community. Our love and solidarity goes out to 24-year-old Le’Keian Woods and his family. We stand ready to assist in any way possible in their pursuit of Justice.”

Action News Jax has requested the arrest and booking report and body camera footage of the arrest.

Woods had previously been charged with second-degree murder in connection with an attempted robbery that occurred during a drug deal at a Tallahassee apartment complex, resulting in the fatal shooting of his roommate.

Woods was also charged with 2 counts of violating probation and a hold from Leon County in connection to a 2018 homicide.

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