A trigger happy South Carolina state trooper has been released and arrested after shooting an unarmed man following a standard traffic stop. In the video, Sean Groubert pulled over Edward Jones for violating seat belt policy. Jones got out of his car after being told to do so and things took a turn.
Groubert asks Jones for his driver’s license and when Jones turned around to retrieve it, Groubert started firing and yelling, “Get out of the car!”
Three gunshots can be heard and luckily, Jones was only hit once in the hip. Jones instantly hit the ground screaming, “I was just getting my license.”
[IMAGE: Richland County Detention Center]
He’s heard apologizing repetitively when he asks the officer, “Sir, why was I shot? All I did was reach for my license. I’m coming from work.” Groubert, realizing he overestimated the situation, calls for the ambulance but gives an excuse for his actions and asking if Jones had been hit.
“Well, you dove head-first back into your car,” Groubert said. “Then you jumped back out, I’m telling you to get out of your car.” Charges were filed on Wednesday and the ex-cop could face up to 20 years in prison.
After watching the video, South Carolina Department of Public Safety Director Leroy Smith called the incident “disturbing” and immediately fired Goubert on September 19th. According to WIS-TV, he pleaded not guilty and has been released on $75,000 bail. He is due in court October 24th.
Watch the unbelievable raw video below: