SC trooper charged with felony in shooting

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A former state trooper faces a felony charge in the shooting of an unarmed man during a traffic stop in Columbia earlier this month.

The State Law Enforcement Division said in a news release that 31-year-old Sean Groubert was charged Wednesday with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Authorities say Groubert stopped the victim for a seatbelt violation on Sept. 4. The victim got out of his car, and investigators say the trooper shot him as he reached back into his vehicle. Groubert was fired last week.

The arrest warrant says video and statements show the shooting was not justified. SLED did not release that evidence.

It wasn’t known if Groubert had a lawyer.