The city of Syracuse is planning to call disgraced police officer Ahmad Mims to testify in a trial defending against accusations of excessive force by cops during an arrest in 2014.

The trial began Tuesday in the case of Elijah Johnson, a Liverpool man who claims three police officers unnecessarily beat him during his arrest on University Hill five years ago. Mims, who resigned in January, is not named in the lawsuit, but was a witness to the arrest.

Eight people, including two people of color, were selected to serve as jurors in the federal civil rights case. The jury heard opening arguments and testimony from a friend of Johnson’s Tuesday afternoon.

Lawyers for Johnson and the city also discussed upcoming evidence and witnesses in the trial, which is expected to last about a week. U.S. District Court Judge Brenda Sannes is presiding over the trial.

Elijah Johnson says Syracuse police officers beat him during arrest in 2014. Provided Photos.

Attorneys have previously discussed in court filings the potential for Mims to testify, and it seemed unlikely. Mims moved to North Carolina after allegations surfaced that he held a gun to his girlfriend’s head and beat her while he was driving.

John Powers, an attorney from Hancock Estabrook who is representing the officers, said today he plans to call Mims. Fred Lichtmacher, a New York City representing Johnson, said that if Mims takes the stand, he wants to call Jessica Frezza Svoboda, who has spoken publicly about her abuse at the hands of Mims. Lichtmacher also said he had difficulty contacting Mims personally to call him as a witness, as the former police officer had moved to Raleigh, North Carolina.

Mims was convicted earlier this year of two misdemeanor charges involving domestic abuse. He is serving three years’ probation.

Mims was a “disinterested” eye witness to Johnson’s arrest, according to filings by the city. The city has previously called him a “key” witness in the case. The trial was delayed last year as the parties sorted out Mims’ role in the case.

Johnson is suing police officers Joseph Mauro, William LaShomb and Gordon Quonce, claiming they dragged him behind a garage, beat him and used racial slurs.

The officers arrested Johnson for inciting a riot, trespassing and resisting arrest in 2014. Police said Johnson and his friends were holding “pop-up” parties on University Hill in Syracuse, causing a disruption and ignoring orders from police. Johnson was later acquitted of three charges against him, but convicted of second-degree rioting and second-degree criminal trespass.

Public Affairs Reporter Julie McMahon covers courts, government, education and other issues affecting taxpayers. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992