LAURENS Co., S.C. (WSPA) – Deputies are searching for a gunman who opened fire at a manufacturing facility in Laurens County.
Deputies say a man was shot around 5:40 a.m. Friday at Yanfeng Automotive Interiors at 101 International Boulevard.
Laurens County Sheriff Don Reynolds said the victim’s injury is not life threatening and he was taken to the hospital. Officers continue their search for the suspect. Few details were immediately available about the suspect.
The sheriff’s office confirms they are looking for a person of interest. His name is David Jerome Butler. He may be in a bluish green Ford Fusion.
About 100 employees have been evacuated.
Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Clinton Police Department and Fountain Inn Police Department are assisting.
Yanfeng is located near the Greenville County line. A spokeswoman for Greenville County Schools said Simpsonville Elementary School is on lockdown and more police will be present at Fountain Inn Elementary “out of an abundance of caution.” Officers are on alert in case Hillcrest High or Bryson Middle School are affected. Bus drivers have also been instructed not to use routes near the road where the plant is located.
The plant supplies BMW with interior components for multiple models built by the automaker. Yanfeng Automotive Interiors is based in Shanghai with more than 100 manufacturing and technical centers in 17 countries.