The police were present during the traffic control that preceded the arrest, but were not present during the beating that occurred in connection with Nichols leaving the scene.
In body camera footage, the now-fired officer, who is white, is heard saying he used a stun gun on Nichols and that he hoped his colleagues would “stomp” him down.
Five black police officers have already been fired and charged with murder and a variety of other crimes in connection with Nichols’ death. Another police officer is suspended.
Nichols died in hospital three days after the police intervention in Memphis, Tennessee. A film showing the abuse in connection with the intervention has provoked strong reactions in the United States and led to widespread protests in several cities.
US Vice President Kamala Harris attended Nichols’ funeral on Wednesday.