A former South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper was arrested and charged this week with “assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature” after he shot an unarmed motorist during a bizarre and nearly fatal traffic stop.
Sean Groubert, 31, could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted on charges he wrongfully shot the 35-year-old motorist, Levar Jones, during a stop prompted by a seatbelt violation, the State reported.
The shooting took place Sept. 4, resulting in Groubert’s almost-immediate termination from the state Highway Patrol.
Footage of the incident became public this week, the day of the former trooper’s booking, and the State posted the “disturbing” video to YouTube.
“The video shows Groubert firing repeatedly at Jones, who was not armed and who was not behaving aggressively,” the State reported. “Jones was struck at least once, in the hip. He spent time in the hospital and is now out of the hospital recuperating.”
After being struck with at least one bullet, Jones can be heard saying: “What did I do, sir? … I can’t feel my leg.”
The video was played at Groubert’s bond hearing, at which his bond was set at $75,000.
