ORLANDO, Fla. – The trial began on Monday for the former Orlando police officer accused of using excessive force during an arrest.
Officer William Escobar was charged with battery and perjury after video showed Escobar punching and kicking Refus Holloway in March 2014.
Prosecutors say they will call several officers to the stand that will prove Escobar's actions were aggressive and illegal.
The defense said in opening statements that Holloway kicked Escobar several times after Holloway charged at officers, reaching in his pocket, causing another officer to pull a gun on Holloway.
"He was aggressive, he didn't want to talk, he didn't want to listen, he didn't care. He was doing what he wanted to do," Holloway said.
Holloway claimed he was trying to break up a fight when police arrived. The video, recorded by Holloway's sister, shows Holloway not fighting Escobar.
"I was terrified. I was in handcuffs, and he was laying into me," Holloway said.
Escobar was fired in February after Orlando Police Chief John Mina said he not only broke the law but violated police protocol.
"The actions of Officer Escobar that night do not reflect the overall actions, performance and behavior of the Orlando Police Department or our commitment and dedication to keeping this community safe," Mina said. "Effective today, William Escobar was terminated from the Orlando Police Department."
If convicted, Escobar could face up to a year in jail.