WBRZ - Baton Rouge

Houma Police say an internal investigation has cleared officers accused of beating a drug suspect so badly he had to be hospitalized for a day.

Investigators found that 29-year-old Marquis Stove of Houma was injured when he fell while handcuffed and running from police.

Stove's stepfather, Joe Thompson, says his stepson's jaw and ribs were broken, and a lung was punctured.

Terrebonne Parish public safety director Ralph Mitchell says doctors consulted in the investigation determined the injuries were consistent with a fall.

Thompson would not comment on the investigation, but said Stove is still seeking medical treatment.