Video shows North Carolina police officer beating a woman on the ground

Video shows North Carolina police officer beating a woman on the ground
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings pleaded for the public to allow an internal investigation to run its course.…

Video emerged of a Black woman on the ground being punched by a white male police officer in North Carolina, authorities said Wednesday.

The incident, which was captured in bystander video, unfolded Monday afternoon as four officers appeared to hold down the woman as a fifth officer hit her several times.

She was hit seven times in the knees and 10 more times with a closed fist, and the man arrested with her was armed with a 9 mm handgun, police said.

"We have to take a close look at when is enough enough," Jennings said of police force needed to make an arrest. "I can tell you that in the public's opinion, absolutely, the public is going to say that was excessive, and I understand that. I get it."

Police said Pistone delivered “compliance strikes.” The action is "consistent with our training and is done in order to gain compliance and to prevent further assault by non-compliant subject," authorities said at a news conference. He was placed on temporary assignment and removed from patrol duties as the internal investigation continues.

"We've seen historically, not just in Charlotte but across the country, it's the mistreatment of Black and brown people throughout the country by police," Jennings said. "And that's what people look at and causes concern."