The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has initiated an investigation into an allegation of excessive use of force by an officer with the Shelby Police Department. The request for an independent investigation was made by the Shelby Police Chief and the Cleveland County District Attorney.

SBI agents have already begun and will work to complete the investigation as efficiently as possible while ensuring all relevant facts are thoroughly examined. The SBI will submit its findings to the District Attorney’s Office for review once the investigation is complete.

“We understand the community has questions and concerns, and we take that very seriously,” said SBI Director Chip Hawley. “We ask the public to be patient as we conduct our work. A careful, thorough investigation takes time, and our priority is to gather all available facts so that informed decisions can be made based on the evidence.”

According to multiple published reports the video from doorbell camera footage captured a Shelby police officer appearing to throw a woman on the ground and hit her repeatedly on Friday (May 29) before straddling her during an arrest.

In a news conference shared on social media, Shelby police Chief Brad Fraser said the police officer seen hitting the woman was fired. The officer had been initially placed on “administrative suspension.”

If anyone has additional information about this case, contact the SBI at 919-662-4500.

Because this is an active investigation, no additional details are being released at this time. Further updates will be provided when appropriate via social media platforms and www.ncsbi.gov.

[Photos courtesy of Facebook]