A 22-year-old police officer from North Carolina has been charged with assault following a disturbing incident caught on home security video, which showed him wrestling a woman to the ground and repeatedly punching her during an arrest. The officer, Karson Hyder, turned himself in at the Cleveland County Detention Centre on Monday, 1 June, and was subsequently processed and released on a $10,000 secured bond.
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Hyder had been employed by the Shelby Police Department until Saturday, 30 May, when he was terminated after an internal investigation into the use of excessive force. The findings of this investigation were forwarded to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation at the request of both the Shelby police chief, Brad Fraser, and the Cleveland County District Attorney.
The incident occurred while Shelby officers were conducting a criminal investigation and encountered a woman identified as Cherrie Moore. According to reports, surveillance footage shows the two standing close together before Hyder forcibly threw Moore to the ground. Throughout the encounter, Moore can be heard expressing her confusion, repeatedly stating that she did not have a warrant and questioning why she was being assaulted.
The video depicts Moore being punched multiple times by Hyder while a second officer attempts to restrain him, urging him to “let go” of her. As the interaction unfolds, additional officers arrive on the scene. Moore, visibly distressed, requests mental health assistance and indicates that she is not on her medication.
Chief Fraser released a statement during a news briefing following the incident, describing Hyder’s use of force as “inappropriate and unacceptable.” He expressed commitment to maintaining high ethical standards within the department, emphasising that such behaviour does not reflect the values upheld by the Shelby Police Department. The chief acknowledged the video’s impact, stating, “The actions taken by one officer… are disturbing and inappropriate.”
Cherrie Moore was arrested on several charges, including burglary, resisting arrest, and assault on a police officer. However, her bond was subsequently reduced to zero, and it remains unclear whether her charges have been dismissed. The incident has ignited protests at the Shelby Police Department, located about 45 miles west of Charlotte, with demonstrators demanding accountability and reform.
Gregory Moore, Cherrie’s father, expressed his outrage toward Hyder’s conduct, stating that the video had left him in tears. He remarked on the importance of the security footage, asserting, “Thank God somebody had the Ring camera. That man would have gotten away with it.” The family intends to pursue legal action against Hyder for the altercation.
As of now, it remains uncertain whether Hyder has secured legal representation, and attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful due to a disconnection of his listed phone number. The community has been vocal in their calls for justice, highlighting the need for greater oversight and accountability in policing.
Shelby Police Chief Fraser reiterated his dedication to the community during his statement. He highlighted the importance of maintaining public trust and understanding the ramifications of officers’ actions on the reputation of the entire police force. As investigations continue, many remain hopeful for a thorough review of the incident and a commitment to reform within the department.