SHELBY, N.C. (NCN News) – A State Bureau of Investigation probe is underway after a doorbell camera showed a Shelby Police officer repeatedly beating a woman during an arrest.
The request for an independent investigation was made by the Shelby Police Chief and the Cleveland County District Attorney.
This stems from a viral doorbell camera video of a Shelby officer repeatedly punching a woman reportedly around 8 a.m. on Friday (May 29) during an arrest. The video shows the officer taking a woman to the ground before striking her several times in the head while attempting to gain control of her. A second officer is then seen approaching and intervening, directing the officer to stop. The woman was subsequently handcuffed. Local media outlets identified the woman as Cherrie Moore.
In a Saturday (May 30) press conference, Shelby Police Chief Brad Fraser said the unnamed officer was fired.
“Community trust is the foundation of effective policing. The officers, telecommunicators, and leadership of the Shelby Police Department remain committed to maintaining and strengthening that trust every day,” Fraser said. “Our agency is guided by the core values of honesty, teamwork, integrity, professionalism, and respect, and we hold ourselves accountable to those standards. As a lifelong resident of this community, I care deeply about the residents we serve and the reputation of this department.”
This incident led to protests outside the Shelby Police Department. Members of Moore’s family say they do plan to press charges.
Shelby City Manager Justin Merritt said: “While yesterday’s incident is still raw and difficult to understand, today marks the beginning of a path forward to repair the damage that has been done. This is a path that we must walk together, hand in hand, unified with the common goal of understanding, supporting each other and strengthening the fabric of a community we all hold so dear. My staff and I are committed to this path and will work every day to be better tomorrow than we are today”
According to a release, SBI agents have already begun and will work to complete the investigation as efficiently as possible while ensuring all relevant facts are thoroughly examined. The SBI will submit its findings to the District Attorney’s Office for review once the investigation is complete.
“We understand the community has questions and concerns, and we take that very seriously,” said SBI Director Chip Hawley. “We ask the public to be patient as we conduct our work. A careful, thorough investigation takes time, and our priority is to gather all available facts so that informed decisions can be made based on the evidence.”
If anyone has additional information about this case, please contact the SBI at 919-662-4500.