A South Carolina deputy shot an elderly man after he reached for his cane during a traffic stop on Tuesday night, United Press International reported.
Bobby Canipe, 70, was pulled over for driving with expired plates. After stepping out of his pickup truck, Canipe reached for his cane in the bed, prompting Deputy Terrance Knox, 24, to open fire.
On Wednesday, Canipe, a disabled Vietnam veteran, underwent surgery at Carolinas Medical Center after suffering a gunshot wound to the stomach. He was listed in fair condition later that night.
Knox has since been placed on paid leave.
"It does appear at this time that Deputy Knox's actions were an appropriate response to what he reasonably believed to be an imminent threat to his life," sheriff's spokesman Trent Faris told WSOC-TV. "This is unfortunate, and we have been in contact with Mr. Canipe's family, and understand he is expected to recover."
Additionally, Faris said Knox immediately offered help to Canipe -- a story which was confirmed by witness Tim Harvell.
"When I drove up the road somebody was working with him, kind of laying under his truck," Harvell said.
