Shelby NC Cop Karson Hyder Fired
The Shelby police officer seen on viral video repeatedly punching a Black woman in the face and head during an arrest has officially been fired.
During a Saturday morning press conference, Shelby Police Chief Brad Fraser announced that the officer involved had been terminated following public outrage over doorbell camera footage that captured the violent encounter involving 34-year-old Cherrie Moore of Shelby.
Authorities had not yet publicy identified the officer but we independently verified that Karson Hyder is the officer involved. Social media also had been sharing Hyder’s name and photo across social media.
The shocking video, which spread across social media Friday, appears to show Hyder slamming Moore to the ground before delivering approximately ten punches to her face and head while attempting to take her into custody.
The footage has fueled anger throughout Cleveland County and beyond, with many community members calling the incident excessive, unnecessary, and a clear example of police brutality.
What makes the footage even more damning is that the encounter was captured on a residential doorbell camera that the officer reportedly did not know was recording.
And just what if that camera was not there.
Within hours of the video surfacing online, protesters gathered outside Shelby Police Department headquarters and in downtown Shelby demanding accountability, Hyder’s termination, and criminal charges.
CHIEF: USE OF FORCE WAS “UNACCEPTABLE”
Chief Fraser addressed the public in a press conference.
“First, I want to be clear that the inappropriate use of force is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by me, the Shelby Police Department, or the City of Shelby,” Fraser said.
Fraser stated that after reviewing the incident, department leadership determined Hyder’s actions violated department standards and expectations. The chief emphasized that maintaining community trust is essential to effective policing and acknowledged that the incident has severely damaged public confidence.
Officials confirmed that Hyder was initially placed on administrative suspension pending an internal affairs investigation conducted by the department’s Office of Professional Standards. However, after further review, the decision was made to terminate his employment.
Mayor Stan Anthony and City Manager Justin Merritt joined Fraser during Saturday’s announcement.
WHAT WAS CHERRIE MOORE CHARGED WITH?
According to court records, Moore was originally served Friday with a warrant related to a breaking and entering investigation.
Police later added additional charges, including:
- Resisting a Public Officer
- Assault on a Government Official
Moore was given a $10,000 unsecured bond and is scheduled to appear in Cleveland County District Court on June 5, 2026.
SBI NOW INVESTIGATING
The case has now been referred to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for an independent review.
Authorities are investigating whether criminal charges should be filed against Hyder.
As of Saturday afternoon, no criminal charges had been announced against the former officer. However, officials confirmed that the SBI investigation remains active.
The Shelby Police Department has not released information regarding Hyder’s prior disciplinary history or whether previous complaints had been filed against him.
WHAT LED TO THE CONFRONTATION?
According to police, officers were responding to reports of a suspicious person in the area who may have been connected to a breaking and entering investigation.
During that response, officers encountered Moore, leading to the confrontation that was captured on video.
