A South Carolina state trooper with ties to the Mahoning Valley has found himself under national scrutiny after he shot an unarmed man during a traffic stop.

South Carolina State Trooper Sean Groubert is a 2002 graduate of Beaver Local Schools in Columbiana County.  The valley native was fired from his job and faces criminal charges of assault and battery after he shot an unarmed man during a traffic stop.

The entire incident was caught on dash cam video.  In the video, a man is seen standing outside of his SUV at a gas station parking lot when Groubert asks for his driver's license.  As the man appears to reach in his car to produce his license, the trooper opens fire.  The man can be clearly heard in the video telling the trooper he can't feel his leg, and asking why the trooper shot him.


Authorities say that victim, Lamar Jones, was unarmed when he was shot in the hip.  Grouber's attorney says he feared for his safety.  Authorities call the case disturbing, saying Groubert reacted to a perceived threat where there was none.