CMPD Releases Body Cam Footage From Viral Video Arrests Of Two Bojangles Employees

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department released video of an incident involving officers and two Bojangles employees who were arrested for reportedly smoking marijuana on a public bench, according to police.  This incident occurred on November 13, 2023. The footage was court-ordered for release following a petition by CMPD.

On Monday, November 13, 2023, shortly after 2 p.m., officers in the Steele Creek Division self-initiated a suspicious person call for service after observing a man and women subject smoking suspected marijuana at a city-owned bus stop on South Tryon Street near W. Arrowood Road, according to a news release.

The officers stopped, engaged the two individuals, and attempted to detain them. Both individuals resisted the officers and a struggle with officers ensued, according to CMPD. The female subject struck an officer several times. In response to being struck multiple times by the female, the officer then struck her in the face in an attempt to prevent from being assaulted further.

The officers called for backup to assist with the call for service. The female subject continued to resist arrest and after several repeated verbal commands, one of the backup officers administered compliance strikes to the subject’s right thigh in an effort to gain control and place her in custody, according to CMPD.

Police say the officer who administered the strikes was intentional about where the strikes were made. The use of compliance strikes is included in CMPD’s Response to Resistance Directive. Once the male subject was taken into custody, officers say they located a concealed, loaded 9 mm handgun in his bag. 

Both the man and woman were arrested. Anthony Lee (DOB 03/10/1986), was charged with Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Resist/Delay/Obstruct and Simple Possession of Marijuana. Christina Pierre (DOB 07/13/1999), was charged with Assault on a Government Official, Resist/Delay/Obstruct and Simple Possession of Marijuana.

The CMPD Internal Affairs investigation into this incident is ongoing.

In response to community concerns, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations is organizing a Community and Police Collaboration Group to collectively review certain CMPD policies including response to resistance and provide the organization with recommendations for consideration. Starting in December, the meetings will include faith-based and community leaders, which will culminate with a presentation of policy recommendations to the CMPD in June 2024.

The collection of videos included in this release contains footage from Body Worn Cameras (BWC), a street camera, interview rooms and a civilian.

Critical Incident Briefing video breaking down video footage & explaining the incident in greater detail, CLICK HERE

All of the video footage captured in the incident can be found below.

Read the original story here.