Two Mississippi police officers were terminated after brutally beating a black man while he was on the ground, ABC News reports.

James Barnett was chased by officers from the Laurel Police Department after he avoided a police checkpoint on May 16. The officers noticed Barnett's car driving away from the checkpoint, and pulled the 36-year-old over. Once Barnett stopped the car, officers surrounded the vehicle with their guns drawn.

The officers instructed Barnett to exit the vehicle and to get on the ground. Once he was on the ground, they began to kick him, Barnett says.

Barnett was transported to a local hospital for treatment of the wounds sustained during the stop. Once there, he says the officers began to beat him again. Barnett says he never fought back.

He was charged with five misdemeanors including resisting arrest and driving with a suspended license.

Two unidentified officers were fired after their supervisors took issue with how the arrest occurred. An investigation into the arrest is currently being conducted by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.

No charges have been filed against the officers, but the officers may face legal action pending the results of the investigation.

“The officers and administration of LPD take these types of allegations very seriously,” the Laurel Police Department said in a statement. “It should be noted that the [internal investigation] was initiated only hours after the incident occurred before any media attention, social media posts or even a formal complaint from the individual involved.”

Laurel Police Department

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