Officer's conduct a 'gross abuse' of authority, defense attorney says

SARASOTA, Fla - Scott Patrick was let go from the Sarasota Police Department after an internal affairs investigation found he used excessive force during a disorderly intoxication arrest on August 4

Surveillance video taken inside Club Ivory shows Patrick hitting Jason Dragash, 29, almost 10 times and choking him until he was unconscious.  Dragash was taken to an area hospital suffering from multiple facial wounds.

According to police reports, two women flagged down Patrick and told him Dragash was harassing them. 

Dragash, who hired attorney Andrea Mogensen, has yet to address the media.

"The only real surprise is how long it took to terminate Scott Patrick," Mogensen told ABC Action News in a written statement.  "His conduct during the incident was clearly a gross abuse of authority."

Disorderly intoxication charges have been dropped against Dragash.  However, Patrick could face battery charges.  The State Attorney's Office could charge Patrick with battery.

Dragash's attorney says her client's civil rights were violated.

"We are evaluating his civil litigation options," she added.