North Gwinnett News

A man who was seen on video being beaten by Gwinnett County police officers in 2017 is suing Gwinnett County.

Demetrius Hollins filed a lawsuit against Gwinnett County, Gwinnett Police Chief Butch Ayers and the officers who attacked him, CBS 46 reported. Hollins filed the complaint on Sept. 10, seeking compensatory damages for injuries that took place during the altercation, attorney fees and punitive damages, according to Fox 5.

"I would like to thank those that stood up and fought for me. Right beside me through this tough time," Hollins said during a news conference at his attorney's office, according to Fox 5. "I believe that the more we come together as a nation, great things will happen." 

The cell phone video from April 2017 showed Gwinnett County Police Department Sgt. Michael Bongiovanni and officer Robert McDonald punching and kicking Hollins, CBS 46 said.

The video shows McDonald showing up after Bongiovanni had pulled over Hollins, CBS 46 said. Bongiovanni reached inside of the vehicle, elbowed Hollis in the face, pulled him out of the car and began punching him in the face, CBS 46 said. Hollins said he was handcuffed and placed on the ground face down as McDonald approached him and began kicking him in the head, according to CBS 46.

Bongiovanni and McDonald were both terminated, CBS 46 said. Bongiovanni was charged with aggravated assault and battery, to which he pleaded no contest, and was sentenced to 10 years probation with a six-month work-release program, according to CBS 46. McDonald was charged with aggravated assault, battery and violation of oath of office. He was sentenced to 10 years probation, CBS 46 said.