Hampton Co. Sheriff says group stopped train to steal car parts, gunman on the loose in Estill

HAMPTON COUNTY, Sc. (WTOC) - A gunman is on the loose in the area near and around Canfor Southern Pine in Estill, according to the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office says Hwy 321 near the area and Steep Bottom Road is blocked off.

Sheriff Russell says CSX called 911 to report a man standing on the train tracks holding a rifle.

Deputies arrived and found several men on top of the train cutting catalytic converters off of cars that were being transported.

The men ran off and deputies chased after them. The chase has been going for several hours now.

Sheriff Russell said this is a bizarre incident, the likes of which he has never seen before.

“This is the first time that I’ve ever actually had a call where someone tried to stop the train to rob the train.”

They ask that you please avoid the area.

The sheriff said if you see anything suspicious in that area, you should call 911 right away. You can also call the anonymous tip line at 1-866-942-1120.

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