Mississippi officers fired in beating of Black man could face more charges

Two cops who were terminated for the beating of a motorist are under further investigation

James Barnett
James Barnett (WDAM-TV)

Two Mississippi police officers who were fired after allegations of assaulting an African-American man are facing possible additional charges, according to ABC News.

James Barnett, says he suffered a number of facial contusions after being pursued and beaten by the Laurel Police Department officers. Officials say Barnett approached a police checkpoint in his car but turned around. A chase ensued and with guns drawn the officers, pulled Barnett out of his car ordering him to lay on the ground. But when he followed their orders, they began kicking him, he said.

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Barnett said he was totally submissive and never fought as the officers badgered him and kicked hm repeatedly. They then took him to a local hospital and continued their assault against him, he claimed.  The two officers have since been fired.

The 36-year-old was charged with five misdemeanors, including resisting arrest and driving on a suspended license. He appears in court June 11 to fight the charge.

Barnett posted gruesome pictures of his face from the violent attack on his Facebook page last week.

“I’ve never been so afraid in my life,” Barnett wrote in the Facebook post. “I will not let this go, I don’t [want] this to happen to anyone else. There is no justice in what they did to me!! But I will get JUSTICE!!”

An internal investigation was launched after the incident and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations has been contacted by the Laurel Police Department.

“It has always been the policy of LPD that all use of force events are reviewed by several levels of supervisors and administration,” said Capt. Tommy Cox

“The Officers and Administration of LPD take these types of allegations very seriously,” the Laurel Police Department said in a statement to ABC News. “It should be noted that the IA was initiated only hours after the incident occurred before any media attention, social media posts or even a formal complaint from the individual involved.”

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