SHELBY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has launched an inquiry into allegations that a Shelby police officer used excessive force during an arrest that was captured on video and widely shared online, prompting community outrage and protests outside police headquarters.

The investigation was requested by the Shelby Police Department and the Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office after video surfaced appearing to show an officer punching a woman multiple times during an arrest Friday morning.

According to Shelby police, officers were conducting a criminal investigation around 8 a.m. May 29 when they encountered a woman described as suspicious. Video recorded by a residential doorbell camera appears to show an officer taking the woman to the ground and striking her several times in the head while attempting to gain control of her. A second officer is seen approaching and intervening, directing the officer to stop before the woman is handcuffed.

The footage quickly spread across social media, drawing widespread criticism and calls for accountability.

In a statement released Friday, Shelby Police Chief Brad Fraser condemned the officer’s actions.

“The inappropriate use of force is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by me, the Shelby Police Department, or the City of Shelby,” Fraser said. “Community trust is the cornerstone of any law enforcement agency.”

Fraser described the officer’s actions as “disturbing and inappropriate” and noted that a second officer intervened during the encounter. At the time, the officer had been placed on administrative suspension while the department’s Office of Professional Standards conducted an internal investigation.

By Saturday morning, that investigation had concluded.

Fraser announced the officer had been terminated effective 8:30 a.m. May 30 after investigators presented their findings to his office.

“The findings of our administrative investigation have been turned over to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for an independent review of any criminal violations,” Fraser said. “This step is being taken to ensure transparency, accountability and public confidence in our actions as a law enforcement agency.”

The SBI confirmed it has begun an independent investigation into the incident.

SBI Director Chip Hawley said investigators are working to gather all available evidence before presenting their findings to prosecutors.

“We understand the community has questions and concerns, and we take that very seriously,” Hawley said. “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.”

Once completed, the SBI’s findings will be submitted to the Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Shelby City Manager Justin Merritt also addressed the incident Saturday, describing the previous 24 hours as difficult for the community.

“The past 24 hours have been difficult for our community and have strained the fabric of trust that is at the core of all that we do as your city government,” Merritt said.

Merritt praised the police department’s swift response and said city leaders are committed to rebuilding public trust.

“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,” he said.

Authorities have not released the identities of those involved, and no criminal charges have been announced.

The SBI is asking anyone with information related to the case to contact the agency at 919-662-4500.

Because the investigation remains active, officials said no additional details will be released at this time.