Fatal Beating of Tyre Nichols Once Again Puts Spotlight on US Police Brutality

Accident – Death – Obituary News : New Video Shows North Carolina Police Officer Repeatedly Striking Black Woman during Arrest

A shocking video circulating on social media has sparked outrage as it shows a North Carolina police officer repeatedly striking a Black woman during an arrest, while several other officers hold her down. The incident, which occurred on Monday, has garnered widespread attention and scrutiny, prompting the police chief to acknowledge the public’s anger.

According to Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, officers approached a man and woman who were smoking marijuana at a bus stop when they began to arrest the man. However, the woman intervened, leading to a struggle between her and the officers. Lt. Kevin Pietrus stated that the woman hit an officer multiple times during the altercation.

In an attempt to gain compliance and facilitate the woman’s arrest, an officer delivered knee strikes and closed fist strikes to the peroneal nerve in her thigh. The police department released a statement asserting that the officer was intentional about the targeted strikes.

Disturbing bystander footage captured the incident, revealing four officers kneeling on the woman, while a fifth repeatedly struck her with a closed fist. Onlookers can be heard shouting at the officers to stop. After a few seconds, the officers stood up and escorted the woman to a squad SUV with her arms restrained.

Acknowledging the public’s outrage, Chief Jennings stated, “I get it. I understand the outrage. I understand the emotions that come when you look at a video that involves an officer who is punching a female.” He further emphasized that the investigation into the incident should be allowed to proceed internally.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s internal affairs bureau is currently conducting an investigation into the matter. Chief Jennings also suggested that other agencies might initiate their own probes. The officer involved, identified as Vincent Pistone, has been temporarily reassigned from the patrol division to investigations.

It is worth noting that the police department has not disclosed the races of the officers involved. The woman, identified as a 24-year-old Black individual from Charlotte, has been charged with assaulting a government official. Additionally, both she and the man arrested for marijuana possession and carrying a concealed weapon have been charged with resisting officers.

The incident has drawn attention beyond law enforcement, as the Bojangles restaurant chain confirmed that the man and woman involved in the arrest were employees at one of their locations near the scene. However, the chain clarified that the individuals had already finished their shifts and were off the property when they encountered the police.

Stacey McCray, Vice President of Communications for Bojangles, expressed shock and sadness over the incident, pledging full cooperation with any investigations. Chief Jennings, during the news conference, acknowledged that the optics of the video were unfavorable and admitted that the incident should not have occurred.

Questioning the officers’ decision to initiate arrests for marijuana use and the woman’s interference, Chief Jennings remarked, “None of that should have happened.” He also raised concerns about the responsibility for the incident, prompting a deeper examination of the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

In an effort to enhance transparency, Chief Jennings stated that the public has the right to view the body camera footage. However, due to North Carolina law requiring a court order for video release, it may take a couple of months before the footage becomes available. The police department has already petitioned the court to allow its release.

As the investigation unfolds, the incident has reverberated throughout the community, reigniting conversations about police brutality and the use of force. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in ensuring public safety while also upholding the principles of justice and fairness.

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