(CN) - A white South Carolina police officer initially charged with a felony in the shooting death of a black motorist, reached a plea deal with prosecutors and was sentenced to three years of probation.
Justin Craven, a North Augusta police officer, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor misconduct in office.
He had been charged with voluntary manslaughter for the shooting death of Ernest Satterwhite, whom he shot in the 68-year-old man's driveway following a 13-minute chase in February 2014.
Craven's dashboard camera captured him charging up to Satterwhite's open car window and reaching both arms inside. A struggle then ensured. Craven claimed Satterwhite tried to grab his gun. The video shows the officer stepping back from the car before firing.
However, a grand jury refused to indict him, and he was later charged with a different felony.
In addition to the sentence of probation, Craven has been ordered to perform 80 hours of community service.
Subscribe to Closing Arguments
Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.