ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Robert Barton is remembering the events of last Friday night. That’s when two men robbed him at gunpoint along the interstate in Orangeburg County.
Robert and his 11 year old daughter Kathryn were headed to Hilton Head for a fishing trip when they pulled off the side of the road to clean up a cooler that had turned over.
“I was just thinking 'Oh my God, please let this go right,'” said Barton. “And that’s when I got out of my car and got some towels an was cleaning up the mess when one of the gentlemen came around the side of the vehicle and asked me to empty my pockets.”
Kathryn Barton is about to enter into sixth grade in the Fall and was in the car during the robbery. She recalls the incident.
“He came over to my window and said are you guys ok do you need any help and I said no thank you "Were good but thanks for asking,” said Kathryn Barton. “And then he said 'Nah I’m just playing and then put the gun to my head' and said 'give me everything that you have.'”
Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office say the victims were able to flee the scene and the suspects were eventually caught after their truck had tire issues. Both were taken into custody.
Barton says he encourages travelers to be more aware of where they pull over.
“Please everyone be aware of your surroundings,” said Barton. “Cause you never know what might be right so if you can and you have to pull over try to make it somewhere that’s very populated, that’s key I think that’s the only reason that we were preyed upon is because we were alone.”
18-year-old Lloyd Fulton and 19-year-old Terrance Jackson were arrested in connection with the robbery. Both are being held at the Orangeburg County Detention Center.