Officer fired after video shows him repeatedly punching woman during arrest

A North Carolina police officer has been fired after viral doorbell camera video shows him repeatedly punching a woman during an arrest, sparking protests on Friday.

The firing came after the Shelby Police Department completed an administrative investigation into the incident, Shelby Police Chief Brad Fraser announced Saturday. The officer had previously been placed on administrative suspension.

The findings of the investigation have also been turned over to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for an independent review of any criminal violations, the chief said.

"While this incident does not reflect the values of the Shelby Police Department, it does reinforce the importance of holding ourselves to the highest standards of conduct," Fraser said.

Fraser called the actions of the officer "disturbing and inappropriate."

"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 added.

Officers were conducting a criminal investigation on Friday when they encountered a "suspicious female in the area," Fraser said.

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The doorbell video appears to show an officer repeatedly punching a woman, identified as 34-year-old Cherrie Moore, during an arrest before another officer appears to intervene. It is unclear what happened before the video.

The woman's uncle, Michael Moore, told WSOC that watching the footage was devastating.

“You can only imagine how I feel to see my niece body‑slammed to the ground at 90 pounds,” he said.

Shelby City Manager Justin Merritt thanked the chief and officers for the investigation into the incident.

"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," Merritt said.

Police have not released the name of the officer.