Shelby Police Officer Fired Following Viral Doorbell Camera Footage

A police officer in Shelby, North Carolina, has been terminated from his position following the emergence of viral doorbell camera footage that captured him repeatedly punching a woman during an arrest. The incident, which occurred on Friday, May 29, 2026, has prompted an administrative investigation and an independent review by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

Incident Overview

According to Shelby Police Chief Brad Fraser, the incident began when officers were conducting a criminal investigation and encountered a woman, identified as 34-year-old Cherrie Moore. Video footage captured by a nearby doorbell camera shows an officer throwing Moore to the ground. While straddling her, the officer is seen punching her multiple times.

The footage shows a second officer entering the frame and intervening, instructing the first officer to “let go” and stating, “I got her.” The second officer subsequently assisted Moore as other law enforcement personnel arrived at the scene.

Official Response and Investigation

Following the circulation of the video, the Shelby Police Department conducted an administrative investigation into the officer’s conduct. Chief Fraser announced the officer’s termination on Saturday, May 30, 2026, noting that the officer had been on administrative suspension prior to his firing.

In an official statement, Chief Fraser condemned the actions captured on the recording, describing them as “disturbing and inappropriate.” He emphasized that the department maintains high standards of conduct and that the use of force displayed in the video is “unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

The findings of the department’s internal investigation have been referred to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to determine if any criminal violations occurred during the encounter.

Community Impact

The viral nature of the video sparked immediate community reaction, leading to protests at the Shelby Police Department on Friday, May 29, 2026. Family members of the woman involved have expressed distress over the footage. Michael Moore, the uncle of Cherrie Moore, characterized the physical encounter as devastating to witness.

Key Takeaways

• Officer Terminated: The Shelby Police Department fired the officer involved after an internal investigation deemed his actions inappropriate.
• Independent Review: The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is currently reviewing the incident for potential criminal charges.
• Public Response: The footage, which gained significant attention online, triggered local protests calling for police accountability.

As the investigation proceeds, city officials, including Shelby City Manager Justin Merritt, have expressed support for the transparency of the review process. The department continues to evaluate its internal protocols to ensure they align with the professional standards expected by the City of Shelby.