A dashcam video of what police say is South Carolina trooper Sean Groubert shooting an unarmed man was released Wednesday, causing a strong Internet reaction as people witnessed the event.
The shooting took place Sept. 4 near Columbia, and Groubert was fired Friday over the incident.
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In the video, which may contain disturbing material for some viewers, police said Levar Jones, 35, is seen stepping out of his vehicle when a police officer’s voice asks him for his driver’s license. Jones turns back to the car, leans in and as he straightens up and turns around, an officer identified by police as Groubert enters the video yelling, “Get out of the car. Get out of the car."
Four shots are fired and Jones moves away from his vehicle, saying, “I just got my license. You said get my license.”
"The force administered in this case was unwarranted, inconsistent with how our troopers are trained, and clearly in violation of department policies," South Carolina Public Safety Director Leroy Smith said when
Groubert was fired, CNN reported.
Police said Jones was being stopped for an alleged seat belt violation.
Jones was
shot in the hip and has since been released from the hospital, WACH reported.
Groubert has been charged with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The video was released to the public during Groubert's bond hearing on Wednesday.
Smith told WACH last week that the case was “disturbing,” and said "Groubert reacted to a perceived threat where there was none."
Bond for Groubert was set at $75,000; he is free on bond, WACH said.
The video drew numerous online comments.
Warning: Video contains disturbing content.
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