Body camera video from the controversial arrest of a woman in southwest Charlotte last month was released Tuesday morning by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police. Video of the arrest was shared widely on social media because an officer could be seen repeatedly punching a woman while other officers held her to the the ground.
The incident happened on Nov. 13, 2023, when officers attempted to detain Christina Pierre and another man at a bus stop along South Tryon Street near West Arrowood Road.
Body camera video released Tuesday confirmed what law enforcement initially said following the incident: That Pierre and the man were seen smoking at a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus stop. Officers believed the substance to be marijuana while Pierre said they legally obtained the substance from a smoke shop.
Bojangles would later confirm the two were employees of the adjacent restaurant location.
As officers attempt to detain Pierre and the man, the two people refuse. The video shows Pierre trying to physically move away from the officer. Video recorded on a cell phone by a witness, shows Pierre hitting the officer with her hand. In return, the officer punches Pierre and knocks her to the ground.
Officers called for backup as they continued to restrain Pierre and the man in an attempt to arrest both of them. Additional officers arrive and help old Pierre and the man to the ground.
Now in handcuffs, one group of police officers move the man toward a police car. The second group of officers can be seen holding Pierre to the ground. Officers can be heard instructing her to put her hands behind her back. Officers are still trying to place her in cuffs.
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