"This is without question a murder," said a prosecutor on Wednesday.In Our previous report, University of Cincinnati Officer Ray Tensing stopped Samuel Dubose, 43, on 19 July for driving without a front registration plate.
Footage from the white policeman's body camera shows him asking to see Mr Dubose's driver's licence.
Mr Dubose hands over a bottle of alcohol, and the officer asks him to step out of the car.
The car appears to slowly start rolling away and Tensing's hand reaches out to grab Mr Dubose, before a gun pops into view.
Mr Dubose was shot once in the head and died instantly.
The decision to indict comes after a grand jury reviewed evidence in the case.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters said Tensing's claim he had been dragged by the car was "nonsense".
The Hamilton County prosecutor said the officer actually fell backwards after firing his weapon.
He said footage from the officer's body camera shows he shot Mr Dubose without provocation.
"I think he lost his temper because Mr Dubose wouldn't get out of his car," Mr Deters said.
"When you see this, you will not believe how quickly he pulls his gun and shoots him. It's so senseless."
Mr Deters told reporters it was "crazy" and "ridiculous" that a motorist could end up dead for a "chicken crap stop" over a licence plate.
He said the victim did not deserve to have a stun gun used on him, let alone be shot.
Mr Deters said Tensing "purposely killed him" and "should never have been a police officer".
"This is the most asinine act I've ever seen a police officer make, totally unwarranted," he added.
Mr Deters said the murder charge would be supported by a count of involuntary manslaughter.
Tensing handed himself in on Wednesday and has been fired. He faces life in prison if convicted.
Audrey Dubose, the victim's mother, praised the indictment.
"I thought it was going to be covered up," she told reporters.
She said she could forgive Tensing for her son's death.
Mark O'Mara, a lawyer for the Dubose family, said the shooting was "horrific".
According to the Cincinnati Inquirer, it's the first time a police officer in the city has been charged with murder for killing someone while on duty.
Many in the community had expressed doubt about the initial official version of events.
The University of Cincinnati cancelled classes on Wednesday in anticipation of the decision.
Cincinnati was hit by riots in 2001 after police shot an unarmed black teenager who was wanted for traffic violations.
Source: SKY News
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