Georgia officers charged; police say video showed assault
ATLANTA | Police on Wednesday filed charges against two fired Georgia police officers who authorities say were captured on video kicking and hitting a man during a traffic stop.
Michael Bongiovanni, 42, and Robert McDonald, 25, were fired April 13, a day after police said video showed Bongiovanni hitting Demetrius Hollins as he stood with his hands up and McDonald stomping on Hollins’ head as he lay on the ground handcuffed.
Each man faces a felony charge of violation of oath of office and a misdemeanor battery charge.
Mike Puglise, a lawyer for Bongiovanni, said his client maintains his innocence and is disappointed by the charges.
“He’s in a fight for his life and he plans to vigorously defend himself,” Puglise said. He has previously said Bongiovanni was following procedure and using an elbow strike, a defensive tactic taught by the FBI.
Puglise said last week that Bongiovanni has asked the police human resources department to reinstate him.
A working phone number for McDonald could not be found, and it was not clear whether he had an attorney who could comment on the charges.
The police department worked closely with the district attorney’s office during the criminal investigation, and Chief Butch Ayers said the department and its employees “will continue to serve the citizens while maintaining our core values and highest level of professionalism.”
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