Former employee at SC factory shoots two workers before killing self with AR-style rifle

Two people were wounded Tuesday after after an ex-employee opened fire in an Anderson County plastics plant Tuesday night. The gunman fired about six rapid-fire rounds and then killed himself.

The shooting happened at around 10:30 p.m. at FRÄNKISCHE, a family owned company headquartered in Bavaria.

In a news conference Wednesday, Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride described the shooter as “just legit crazy.”

He said the shooter quit Monday, then returned for the third shift on Tuesday..

Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore identified the gunman as Bruce D. Vandermosten Jr, 51, of Anderson. His death was ruled a suicide.

McBride said the weapon was an AR-style rifle and Vandermosten killed himself with a single shot.

One victim was taken by EMS to an area hospital was was in ICU at midday Wednesday. The second employee, a woman, was grazed by a bullet and went in a private car to an area hospital.

McBride said the employee who was seriously injured was working at a station close to a side door the gunman used, which was unlocked.

About 30 employees were at the factory and all but the two who were shot were able to run next door to Tipsy Tavern restaurant, where workers locked the doors and turned out the lights.

McBride said investigators are not certain what caused the shooting, but he had been told it had to do with the gunman’s romantic interest in a woman that was not reciprocated.

He said he did not believe anyone was targeted specifically.

McBride said the incident was over by the time deputies arrived. None of them fired a weapon.

He praised the reactions of the employees, saying “the best thing to do is get the hell out.”

“It’s a very scary scene, a very sad scene,” he said Tuesday night.

This story was originally published April 6, 2022 at 8:59 AM.