The police brutality trial for Nassau Officer Vincent LoGiudice began Tuesday in Mineola.

LoGiudice previously pleaded not guilty to felony assault charges for allegedly beating 20-year-old Kyle Howell. The incident was caught on camera during a traffic stop in Westbury back in April 2014.

During opening statements, the prosecutor said video from a nearby store surveillance camera clearly shows Officer LoGuidice attacking Howell -- punching and kneeing him at least 18 times. The officer's attorney asked the judge to see the incident through the eyes of a police officer who feared for his life after Howell reached for something in his car during the traffic stop.

"Every action taken by this police officer on that day was reasonable and necessary and justified," said defense attorney William Petrillo.

Howell's mother Joan said Nassau police are "looking for a way out" in the case.

"They know in their heart of hearts that they did something wrong," she said.

The non-jury trial will continue Wednesday. Kyle Howell and a surgeon who treated him in the wake of the incident are expected to take the stand.