Unsettling dash cam video captures trooper shooting unarmed man

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- A South Carolina state trooper was fired and arrested last week after dash cam video showing him shoot an unarmed man who was only following the cop's directions during a routine traffic stop was released.

According to WGHP and WIS, the shooting happened Sept. 4 in a parking lot of a Circle K after Lance Cpl. Sean Groubert pulled Levar Edward Jones over for a seat belt violation.

In the video, Groubert asks for Jones' license and Jones appears to bend into his car to reach for it. Groubert then fires several times at Jones, hitting him in the hip.

While on the ground, Jones asks "What did I do, sir?" He then says, "I don't know what happened, I was just getting my license." Groubert explains to Jones the reason he shot at him was because Jones dove head first in the vehicle.

After the video was released, Groubert was arrested and now faces assault and battery of a high nature charges. He pleaded not guilty, and is free after posting a $75,000 bond.

He is expected to appear in court on Oct. 24.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety Director Leroy Smith called the case disturbing:

“After my review of the facts surrounding this matter, I have determined that Mr. Groubert’s actions rose to such an extent that his employment with us must be terminated,” Smith said in a statement last week. “While Mr. Groubert was within the law to stop Mr. Jones for a safety belt violation, the force administered in this case was unwarranted, inconsistent with how our troopers are trained, and clearly in violation of Department policies.”