Charlotte, NC – A school resource officer in North Carolina has been suspended without pay after a viral incident in which he body-slammed a female high school student, leaving her with serious injuries. Officer Hasun Rogers was suspended after the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) completed an internal investigation into the October 31 altercation at West Charlotte High School.
Incident Details
The confrontation began when a large crowd formed outside the school as students were reportedly involved in a fight. Officer Rogers, working as a resource officer, intervened by drawing his Taser to disperse the crowd. Once the fight broke up, Rogers saw a student assaulting another and stepped in to control the situation.
According to a letter from CMPD Chief Estella Patterson and Internal Affairs Maj. Brian Trull, Rogers observed freshman Ke’Nadie Cathey punching a staff member and another student who was on the ground. Rogers attempted to separate her from the situation by lifting her off the ground and slamming her onto the pavement. The force of the slam caused Cathey to lose consciousness and suffer a seizure. The incident, which was caught on video, quickly went viral and sparked widespread public outrage.
Student’s Injuries and Family Response
Cathey’s attorney, Michael Littlejohn, confirmed that she suffered a “serious brain injury” as a result of the incident. Her mother, Shakera Rorie, expressed her frustration with the use of force, saying, “Everybody’s upset and angry and feeling overprotective about the whole situation. We just want something done, and this never happened to us before, so we don’t even know what steps to take.”
The viral video showing the altercation has divided public opinion. Some viewers defended the officer’s actions, while others felt the use of force was excessive. One commenter on X (formerly Twitter) stated, “Excessive force is being used all over the place. He didn’t just put her on the ground to stop her. He slammed her head and entire body. It’s a wonder she is not dead. Maybe brain damage.”
Officer’s Suspension and Ongoing Investigation
Following the internal investigation, Rogers was suspended without pay for using excessive force. However, he was permitted to return to duty after the suspension. According to CMPD’s letter, the school principal had warned officers about a “potential gang fight after school dismissal,” which prompted the officers’ involvement in crowd control. Rogers claimed he was struck by Cathey before lifting and slamming her to the ground.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and it remains unclear whether Cathey’s family will pursue legal action. In November, the family held a press conference outside the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, demanding justice and holding signs reading “DEMANDING JUSTICE FOR KE’NADIE.”
Public Outcry and Debate Over Police Use of Force
The incident has ignited a broader debate on the use of force by law enforcement officers in schools. While some people have defended Officer Rogers’ actions as necessary to restore order, others, including Cathey’s family, have criticized the use of what they consider excessive force. The video’s viral spread has raised questions about how law enforcement officers handle students in school settings, especially when it comes to physical confrontations.
As the investigation continues, both the public and law enforcement are waiting for further updates on any legal actions Cathey’s family may take and whether additional disciplinary measures will be applied to Officer Rogers.
