North Carolina Officer Caught on Video Beating Woman
TL/DR –
A video has emerged showing a white male police officer in North Carolina repeatedly punching a Black woman named Christina Pierre on the ground while several officers hold her down. The incident occurred as police were arresting Pierre and a man identified as Anthony Lee, who were allegedly smoking marijuana in public. In the aftermath, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings has promised to release body camera footage, while Officer Vincent Pistone, the officer seen hitting Pierre, has been removed from patrol duties during an internal investigation; both Pierre and Lee face multiple charges, including simple possession of marijuana.
North Carolina Police Officer Caught on Camera Punching Black Woman
A video of a white police officer punching a Black woman on the ground in North Carolina has sparked outrage. The woman and a man were reportedly smoking marijuana in public when the police intervened.
Filmed by a bystander, the video shows four officers holding down the woman, identified as Christina Pierre, while a fifth officer, Vincent Pistone, repeatedly strikes her. Anthony Lee, the man arrested with Pierre, was armed with a 9 mm handgun, according to police.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings acknowledged the public’s anger and assured that his department is working to release the body camera footage. He also mentioned that the incident raises questions about the necessity of an arrest for marijuana use.
According to officials, Pierre was struck seven times in the knees and ten times with a closed fist. The use of force, termed “compliance strikes” by authorities, was consistent with training measures to gain compliance and prevent further assault by non-compliant subjects. Officer Pistone has been temporarily reassigned and removed from patrol duties pending an internal investigation.
Pierre and Lee, both employees of fast-food company Bojangles, had ended their shifts when the confrontation occurred. Lee faces charges of carrying a concealed firearm, resisting arrest, and possession of marijuana. Pierre was charged with assault on a government official, resisting arrest, and marijuana possession.
Given the history of police mistreatment of Black and brown people, Jennings expressed understanding of the public’s concern. The incident has also raised questions about the extent of force justified to make an arrest, particularly when the arrest relates to marijuana use. “I get it. I understand the outrage,” he said, acknowledging the negative perception of the incident.
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