Two Georgia police officers fired after they were caught on video kicking and punching a man during a traffic stop had arrested the same person eight months earlier during another traffic stop, police records show.
Gwinnett County Police on Thursday announced the firing of Sgt. Michael Bongiovanni and Master Police Officer Robert McDonald, a day after the traffic stop was recorded by witnesses who posted the video online.
Bongiovanni punched Demetrius Bryan Hollins in the face as Hollins stood with his hands up after getting out of his car, police said. Another video showed McDonald, who arrived as backup after Hollins was handcuffed and lying on the ground, immediately stomping on Hollins’ head.
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An incident report filed by Bongiovanni following Wednesday’s traffic stop made no mention of Hollins being punched or kicked.
A shift supervisor started investigating McDonald’s behavior immediately, police said. His firing was announced Thursday afternoon. Bongiovanni’s firing was announced later that evening after police said video posted online contradicted his report. Both men are currently under criminal investigation.
A working phone number for McDonald couldn’t be found, and the phone at a number listed for Bongiovanni rang to a full voicemail box. It wasn’t immediately clear whether either man had an attorney.
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