Charlotte High School Officer Under Investigation After Video Shows Student Slammed to Ground
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA — A school resource officer in Charlotte is under criminal investigation after a viral video captured him forcefully slamming a student to the ground during a chaotic brawl outside a local high school.
The footage, posted online by journalist Matt Van Swol, shows a tense moment during what witnesses described as a “mob fight” involving multiple students. The officer can be seen grappling with one individual before lifting and throwing the student to the pavement, as surrounding students shout in shock.
The incident reportedly occurred Friday afternoon at a Charlotte-Mecklenburg high school, though authorities have not yet publicly identified the school or the officer involved.
Video Sparks Outrage and Investigation
The unedited video, which quickly spread across social media, prompted immediate outrage and calls for accountability. In the clip, several officers appear to be detaining students, while others try to control the growing crowd.
Van Swol, who obtained the footage, wrote that the officer is now the subject of a criminal investigation into the use of force.
“The police officer in the footage is being criminally investigated after slamming a student to the ground,” Van Swol stated. “Be honest, do you think his use of force was justified here?”
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) confirmed late Sunday that an internal and external review is underway to determine whether the officer’s actions violated department policy or state law.
School District and Community Respond
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) district released a brief statement acknowledging the incident and confirming cooperation with law enforcement.
“We take all reports of excessive force seriously,” the district said. “Student safety is our highest priority. The situation is under active review, and disciplinary action will be taken if warranted.”
Parents and community leaders are demanding transparency and accountability, with some calling for the officer’s suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.
Ongoing Debate Over Police in Schools
This incident has reignited debate over the role of police officers on school campuses — an issue that has divided communities across North Carolina and the nation.
I have obtained the full, unedited footage from the mob fight that broke out at the Charlotte NC high school.
The police officer in the footage is being criminally investigated after slamming a student to the ground.
Be honest, do you think his use of force was justified here? pic.twitter.com/akQfxKd8ae
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) November 3, 2025
Critics argue that law enforcement responses to student altercations often escalate situations unnecessarily, while supporters say school officers are vital for keeping students and staff safe amid increasing reports of on-campus violence.
CMPD has not confirmed whether the student involved sustained any injuries, though the video shows the student remaining on the ground briefly before being handcuffed.
What’s Next
Officials say the criminal investigation will include bodycam review, witness statements, and school security footage. Once completed, findings will be forwarded to the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office for review.
The viral nature of the video has already sparked protests online, with many Charlotte residents calling for policy changes regarding how officers handle minors in school settings.
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