A criminal investigation is underway into an incident at West Charlotte High School in which a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officer was involved in a physical confrontation with a student during dismissal. The incident, captured in video that circulated on social media, occurred shortly after 2:15 p.m. yesterday near the school’s bus lot at 2219 Senior Drive, according to CMPD.
The student involved in the incident was taken to a local hospital, treated for injuries, and has since been discharged. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) and the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office jointly requested that the CMPD’s Criminal Investigations Bureau handle the investigation. The officer, who has not been named, was responding when a large fight broke out and has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
In parallel with the criminal investigation, CMPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau will conduct a separate review of the incident. The department has stated that updates will be provided through its Public Affairs Division as new information becomes available, given the ongoing investigation and public interest.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to assist Detective Smereka, the lead investigator, by contacting the CMPD Criminal Investigations Bureau at 704-432-8477 or providing anonymous tips through Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, via the P3 Tips Mobile App, or on their website. The public can reference file number 20251031-1420-04 when submitting information. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, in line with standard protocol during such investigations.
