Charlotte Woman, Christina Pierre, Allegedly Assaults Officer Leading to Controversial Arrest

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Faces Backlash After Officer Strikes Woman in Viral Video

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is under scrutiny following the circulation of a viral video on social media that shows an officer repeatedly striking a woman’s legs while she is on the ground.

The incident took place around 2 p.m. on Monday in the Steele Creek area, near South Tryon Street and Arrowood Road. According to police, two individuals resisted arrest, leading to the altercation. Shortly after the incident, a video capturing the incident was posted on Instagram.

In a statement released on Tuesday, CMPD explained that the two individuals, a man and a woman, were smoking marijuana when officers approached them. As the officers got closer, the woman allegedly punched one of the officers in the face. The man was reported to be armed with a 9mm pistol.

WARNING: The following videos may contain disturbing content.

Local activists in the Charlotte area have raised concerns about police policy after viewing the video of the officer repeatedly striking the woman. The officer can be seen striking the woman’s thigh seven times with his knee before delivering ten closed-fist strikes to the peroneal nerve in her leg.

According to CMPD, the officer resorted to physical force after issuing several verbal commands, including multiple orders to “stop resisting.” The department asserted that officers undergo training to strike large muscle groups during arrests to ensure compliance.

The man involved in the incident, identified as Anthony Nathaniel Lee, was eventually apprehended and charged with carrying a concealed weapon, resist/delay/obstruct, and possession of marijuana. The woman, identified as Christina Pierre, was charged with assault on a government official, resist/delay/obstruct, and possession of marijuana.

CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings, who issued a statement regarding the incident, emphasized that officers are compelled to physically engage with individuals who physically assault them, refuse to comply, and resist arrest. Chief Jennings stated that he reviewed the body-worn camera footage and believes it provides a more comprehensive understanding of the incident.

However, due to state law restrictions, the chief cannot release the bodycam video to the public. He has requested the department’s police attorney to file a court petition to allow for its disclosure.

Bojangles, a popular fast-food chain, has confirmed that both individuals involved in the incident were employees. The company issued a statement expressing shock and sadness over the incident and pledged full cooperation with any investigations. Bojangles clarified that the individuals had just finished their shifts and left the property before the altercation occurred. Both individuals remain employed by Bojangles at present.

On Tuesday, local activist Robert Dawkins gathered with other concerned community members at the government center to voice their worries. Dawkins questioned the level of force used by the officer, stating that once a person is on the ground and under custody, officers should allow the individual to calm down instead of continuing to strike them.

WBTV security analyst Karl de la Guerra, however, defended the officer’s actions, noting that it appeared to align with standard police protocol. He explained that the officer focused his strikes on the peroneal area, a muscle group trained to gain compliance. De la Guerra added that using alternative measures like pepper spray would not have been appropriate due to the presence of numerous onlookers.

The CMPD’s internal affairs unit is currently investigating the incident.

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