CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte City Council on Monday night reviewed body camera footage from a controversial arrest in November that saw a woman get punched repeatedly by an officer.
A Mecklenburg County judge recently ordered the public release of the footage after video of a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer punching the woman outside a Bojangles in southwest Charlotte went viral. The video shows at least four officers restraining the woman while a fifth officer is seen punching her multiple times.
"I had the opportunity to view this video, and it is not easy to watch," CMPD Police Chief Johnny Jennings said in a prewritten statement. "I never want to see an officer, much less one of my own, involved in a situation like this."
Christina Pierre was originally charged with assaulting an officer, resisting arrest and simple possession. CMPD later dropped charges against the woman in the video. Jennings, as well as Pierre's attorney, were in favor of releasing the video, saying it would clear up what happened that day.
"This arrest should have never been attempted in the first place," attorney Lauren Newton said, explaining her client feels "vindicated" after seeing the video in a private viewing session.
Councilwoman Tiawana Brown, who represents the area where the incident happened, said the body camera video was difficult to watch.
"I didn't like the video at all," Brown said. "I shared my concerns in there with Chief Jennings, but I do have a great relationship with Jennings and I trust that he will make the right decision after looking at all the investigations in all fairness, for everybody to look at the video and see exactly what comes out of it. But for me, it was hard for me to watch."
All 28 videos related to the incident are expected to be released Tuesday.
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