Former Shelby PD officer fired and charged after video shows him punching a woman

SHELBY, N.C. – A former Shelby Police officer seen on camera punching a woman repeatedly has been terminated and charged with assault. Twenty-two year old Karson Hyder turned himself into the Cleveland County Detention Center Monday afternoon and was released on bond.

Concerned community members packed the Shelby City Council meeting wearing ‘Justice for Cherrie’ buttons.

“Our community deserves the full truth meaningful policy change and justice,” Carolyn Briggs NAACP Shelby President said during the public comment period at the meeting.

Thirty-four year old Cherrie Moore is seen in a ring camera video Friday interacting with police who got a call about a suspicious person near Logan Street. Officer Karson Hyder slams and punches Moore multiple times. He has been fired and charged with assault.

“It seems that he’s walked away with just a misdemeanor of assault inflicting bodily injury. At minimum, he should be facing a Class F felony of aggravated assault. There’s several aggravating factors,” Keelyn Surratt Shelby Resident and Activist said.

Another officer is seen in the video telling Hyder to stop hitting Moore. The SBI launched an independent investigation into the officers use of force.

“She said “please,” over 10 times. She said, “Excuse me,” over 10 times. Those aren’t alarming or alerting words or nature for him to use that much force,” Surratt said.

Community members want the police department to have more de-escalation and mental health training.

“To see him beat her, and then pause and beat her some more. So that means you had time to think about it, she’s mentally ill and was only 90 pounds,” Bishop Marcus Strong from Destiny Life Center said.

Moore faced several charges including assault on a public officer two of her three charges have been dropped but community members say that’s not enough.

“A victim landing more time and consequences than a suspect? And when it’s clear for everybody to see, we want Cherrie’s charges dropped,” Surratt said.

Hyder is scheduled to appear in court for the first time Tuesday morning. Civil Rights attorney Ben Crump is now representing the family and will host a press conference with the family Tuesday morning.