GONZALES - The family of a man allegedly beaten by police is suing the city of Gonzales, claiming that his run-in with law enforcement led to his death.

The family of Michael Banks first learned of the alleged beating after Officer Moses Black became embroiled in his own lawsuit in 2017, years after he reported his fellow officers over the incident. He said police brutally beat Banks while he was in custody in April 2015 and then lied on the official report. Black claims the police chief retaliated against him for reporting the incident and it played a role in his firing.

The new lawsuit, filed by Banks' family Tuesday, claims the injuries he sustained in custody caused his death. He was allegedly kicked, maced and suffered a hematoma after his head hit the floor.

Banks was taken to the hospital on Aug. 27, 2015 after he was found unresponsive in his home with a breathing apparatus attached to his face. There, doctors found a hematoma in his brain measuring more than four centimeters. He died the next day.

The family is seeking a trial by jury and looks to receive punitive damages from the city of Gonzales and the officers involved in the incident.