A high profile case has made headlines involving a Bojangles restaurant employee being punched by cops in Charlotte, NC on November 13, 2023. Christina Pierre, 24, is the Bojangles employee that was arrested and attacked by cops for allegedly smoking marijuana. Anthony Lee, 37, was arrested also, as he was with Christina.
On November 13th at 2 p.m. Christina had just got off of her Bojangles job, she was at the bus stop with Anthony.
Officers in the area self initiated a suspicious person encounter, allegedly observing Anthony and Christina smoking marijuana at a bus stop on South Tryon Street.The officers stopped, engaged the two individuals, and stated that they were under arrest. Cops say Christina became combative and struck an officer in the face.
Police allege Anthony and Christina refused arrest and a struggle with officers ensued. The officers called for backup to assist.
Anthony was taken into custody, officers say they located a concealed loaded 9 mm handgun in his bag.
Cops say Christina continued to resist after several male cops had her restrained on the ground. Video on the internet shows one of the cops on scene begin punching Christina in the leg multiple times.
The officer who administered the strikes was intentional about the punches to Christina.
Anthony is charged with carrying a concealed firearm, resist/delay/obstruct and simple possession of marijuana.
Christina was arrested and charged with assault on a government official, resist/delay/obstruct, and simple possession of marijuana.
The officer who administered the compliance strikes is identified as Vincent Pistone. Due to conversations with community leaders and safety concerns for the officer, the police department has placed Officer Pistone on temporary assignment in investigations.
He is not actively on patrol at this time.
