Deputy shoots 70-year-old man after mistaking cane for gun

A controversial case In South Carolina has gotten lots of attention in the news. A deputy shot a 70-year-old man during a traffic stop, and was immediately brought to tears. HLN explains what happened.

'A shocking dash-cam video shows a deputy shooting an elderly man. Now he says he thought the man had a shot gun - no! It was a cane!'

York County Deputy Terrance Knox shot 70-year-old Bobby Canipe stopping his car over in Clover, South Carolina.

'Sir! Hey, hey, hey! (gun shots) Shots fired, shots fired! Drop the gun, drop the gun!'

Canipe was hit once but is expected to recover. When Knox realized Canipe was only holding a cane, he started to cry

"I tried to tell him 'don't move' but he, he pulled it out anyway! (crying)"

Trent Faris, a spokesman for the York County Sheriff's Office, says Knox followed procedure.

'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'

The Herald Online quotes Sheriff Bruce Bryant..

'We're not making excuses. You've got to realize that these officers must act to protect their own safety. You do not exit your vehicle and go meet the police officer. You do not do that.'

Knox has been placed on paid administrative leave, and the incident is under investigation. A prosecutor will determine if any charges will be filed.