South Gwinnett News

A man who was assaulted and kicked by Gwinnett County cops in 2017 has sued the county, Gwinnett Police Chief Butch Ayers and the officers involved, according to a CBS 46 report.

Demetrius Hollins said he suffers PTSD four years after being punched and kicked by former Gwinnett County Sgt. Michael Bongiovanni and officer Robert McDonald, according to a Fox 5 Atlanta report.

’’I would like to thank those that stood up and fought for me, right beside me through this tough time," Hollins told reporters during a Sept 22 news conference at his attorneys' office, according to Fox 5. "I believe that the more we come together as a nation, great things will happen.’’

Hollins filed a complaint on Sept. 10 requesting compensatory damages for injuries received during the incident, as well as punitive damages and attorney fees, Fox 5 said.

A cell phone video during the incident captured McDonald arriving at a traffic stop conducted by former Bongiovanni, who initially reported that he had been involved in an altercation with Hollins and detained him on various charges, CBS 46 reported.

However, witnesses reported to police that Bongiovanni used excessive force and struck Hollins when his hands were raised, and that McDonald approached with his handgun drawn and pointed at Hollins' head; prosecutors later noted that video footage captured McDonald stomping Hollins with his foot, CBS 46 said.

Bongiovanni and McDonald have both been 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.