Justice Department ends probe into police beating of man during traffic stop in Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice has concluded its investigation into the case of a drug suspect who was repeatedly subjected to physical force by police officers during a traffic stop in northeastern Florida, officials announced on Friday.

In a letter to Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, James Felte Jr., the Chief of the Criminal Section at the Justice Department, stated that the arrest of Le’Keian Woods does not present a prosecutable violation of federal civil rights laws.

Following Woods’ arrest on September 29, his attorneys requested a federal investigation.

“Although it is regrettable that the DOJ’s Special Litigation Section has swiftly closed its review, disregarding the compelling evidence they had before them, this outcome does not come as a surprise,” stated attorney Harry Daniels. “Ultimately, justice will be determined by a jury in the civil courts.”

According to Woods’ legal representatives, he suffered a ruptured kidney, experienced vomiting, and developed migraine headaches as a result of the altercation. Mug shots taken after the arrest depicted Woods with both eyes swollen shut, along with bruises and cuts on his face.

Regarding his officers’ actions, Sheriff Waters contended that they were justified, citing Woods’ apparent resistance to arrest even after being immobilized with a stun gun and forcibly restrained on the ground. Waters explained that his officers pursued Woods after a routine traffic stop due to his past murder charge, probation for armed robbery, and alleged involvement in firearms and drug trafficking.