Karson Hyder Charged with Assault After Viral Shelby Police Video Shows Him Punching Cherrie Moore
Former Shelby Police Department officer Karson Hyder has officially been charged after a viral doorbell camera video captured him repeatedly punching a Black woman during an arrest, sparking outrage across North Carolina and beyond.Â
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the 22-year-old former officer turned himself in to the Cleveland County Detention Center on Monday, June 1, 2026, where he was charged with Assault Inflicting Serious Injury. Authorities said Hyder was processed and later released on a $10,000 secured bond.
The criminal charge comes just days after disturbing footage spread across social media showing Hyder throwing 34-year-old Cherrie Moore to the ground and striking her in the face ten times with closed-fist punches during an arrest in Shelby.
VIRAL VIDEO SPARKED OUTRAGE
The incident occurred on Friday, May 29, while Shelby police officers were responding to a criminal investigation involving an alleged breaking-and-entering call.
Doorbell camera footage showed Moore on the ground as Hyder repeatedly punched her in the head and facial area. A second officer can be seen stepping in and appearing to stop the assault before Moore was handcuffed. The video quickly gained national attention, with intense backlash against the Shelby Police Department.
Many social media users questioned why such force was used against a woman who was already on the ground. Protesters later gathered outside the police department demanding justice and criminal charges.
ARREST WARRANT DETAILS ALLEGED INJURIES
According to court documents, the warrant against Hyder alleges that he unlawfully assaulted Moore by grabbing her arm, forcing her to the ground, and striking her in the face with a closed fist.
Investigators stated the attack allegedly caused serious injuries, including a possible broken nose and a busted lip.
The SBI launched an independent investigation after receiving requests from Shelby Police Chief Brad Fraser and the Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office.
OFFICER FIRED LESS THAN 24 HOURS LATER
Following an internal affairs investigation, Chief Brad Fraser announced that Hyder had been terminated from the Shelby Police Department.
Fraser publicly condemned the officer’s actions and stated that the force used against Moore was “inappropriate and unacceptable.” He also emphasized that the department would not tolerate conduct that damages public trust.
The chief then turned the department’s findings over to the SBI for an independent criminal review.
FAMILY DEMANDS JUSTICE
Moore’s family says the video evidence may have prevented the incident from being ignored.
Her father publicly thanked the homeowner whose doorbell camera recorded the arrest, saying the footage exposed what happened and allowed the public to see the encounter for themselves. The family has indicated they intend to pursue legal action.
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