NASHUA, N.H. (WHDH) — A Massachusetts state trooper accused of brutally beating a suspect following a May 2016 police chase from Holden, Massachusetts, to Nashua, New Hampshire, was acquitted of assault charges on Thursday.

Prosecutors said 33-year-old Joseph Flynn punched 50-year-old Richard Simone Jr., who was kneeling in Nashua after 50-mile police pursuit. Sky7 video showed Flynn punching Simone multiple times.

During testimony, Flynn said he assisted other officers in subduing Simone and threw “submission blows.” He said Simone’s body language was very concerning and didn’t appear to stop resisting or show his hands.

After a day of deliberations, a Nashua District Court jury concluded that Flynn was justified in using force to subdue the suspect.

Flynn pleaded not guilty to simple assault charges and had been free on bail and on administrative leave. State police spokesman David Procopio says Flynn will remain suspended without pay pending a future departmental hearing.

New Hampshire state trooper Andrew Monaco was also involved in the incident. He pleaded guilty to assault charges and is no longer working in law enforcement.

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