Prosecutors in Cincinnati announced the indictment of a University of Cincinnati (UC) police officer for shooting and killing an unarmed black man during a traffic stop.

Joe Deters, the Hamilton County prosecutor who filed murder charges against Officer Ray Tensing, called the incident "unnecessary" at a press conference Wednesday, The Washington Post reported.

Tensing, a white male, shot and killed Sam Dubose, 43, on July 19 during a traffic stop for not having a front license plate, according to the Associated Press. Tensing stated in his official report he was dragged by the motorist and had to use his firearm to save himself.

Deters noted the incident was recorded on Tensing's body camera. Cincinnati Police Chief Jeffrey Blackwell told WCPO he has seen the footage and said it "is not good." He did not state whether or not it proves Tensing's report.

"I don't want to put my personal feelings out prematurely," Blackwell said. "I just hope that the right thing continues to be done in this investigation and that we're able to move forward from this and allow this to be a moment of learning and teaching for our city."

Stew Matthews, an attorney in Cincinnati representing Tensing, told The Post he was expecting the indictment.

"I don't know what to expect, but based on the political climate here and nationally, I would not be surprised if my client is indicted," he said.

UC announced the school would be closed Wednesday in response to the indictment, as a precautionary measure.

"Because we are a state university we are working with state safety officials and they concurred with this decision. Again, it is a precautionary measure only," Marianne Kunnen-Jones, a university spokeswoman, said in a statement. "We agreed that in the event of unpredictable reactions, that prudence was necessary even if it proves to be unnecessary. It is better to cause minor inconveniences rather than jeopardize safety."