Newly released video shows an Athens-Clarke County police officer striking an intoxicated University of Georgia student several times with a baton.

Officer Jonathan Fraser was fired last month and faces felony charges for assaulting Michael Roquet on June 13.

The Athens Banner-Herald obtained video from Fraser's body camera. The GBI refused to release it, but police chief Scott Freeman provided a copy to the paper.

Fraser told investigators that Roquet became combative and resisted arrest.

He struck Roquet several times with baton, including once in the head...which is considered deadly force.

Chief Freeman says officers are trained to deescalate situations, and noting Roquet did required a use of force.

Tags: Athens, Athens-Clarke County police, Michael Roquet