HAMTRAMCK, Mich. — A former Hamtramck police officer has pleaded guilty to using excessive force and violating a person’s civil rights during a traffic stop in the Detroit enclave where a driver was pistol-whipped.

At a plea hearing Friday in federal court, Ryan McInerney, 44, admitted that on June 22, 2014 he struck a man several times through the open window of a vehicle that was pulled over, the U.S. attorney’s office in Detroit said in a release.

The man suffered broken bones in his face and lacerations. That same night, a second man also was pistol-whipped during an unrelated traffic stop.

The U.S. attorney’s office also said police documents were falsified to cover up the use of excessive force.

“Most police officers honorably serve and uphold their mission to protect the citizens of Michigan, but this is a rare example of an officer who has fallen far below his duty,”î U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said in a statement. “Officer McInerney abused the power of his badge by violating the civil rights of two Michigan citizens, and for that he deserves federal prison time.”î

The Associated Press left an email Friday with the U.S. attorney’s office seeking the race of McInerney and the two men who were assaulted.

McInerney faces sentencing on April 19. He could receive up to three years in prison if the plea agreement is accepted by a judge.

The AP also left a message Friday seeking comment from McInerney’s attorney.