McNeil Jr. 22 was punched in the face after being pulled over for not driving with his headlights ON

NEW: Jacksonville police officer "stripped of his duties" after a video went viral of him punching a man in the face at a traffic stop.

The incident took place back in February but recently gained traction after the man, William McNeil Jr., shared the footage.

McNeil Jr., 22 was punched in the face after being pulled over for not driving with his headlights on during the day.

McNeil was asked to exit the vehicle 7 times.

“The law requires that a person comply with a police officer’s command during a traffic stop. There are not options. Even if that person disagrees with that officer’s reason for the stop,” said Sheriff T.K. Waters.

McNeil was arrested for resisting arrest, in connection with driving on a suspended driver's license, and possessing MJ.

“I will not commend nor defend Officer Bowers' response,” Waters said.

“He's been stripped of his law enforcement duties, effective immediately. Just because force is ugly doesn’t mean that it’s unlawful or contrary to public policy.”

Waters said the officer was initially cleared by the state AG’a office but they had not seen the punch at that time.