Two Summerville Schools Placed on Lockdown

(SUMMERVILLE, S.C.) -- Authorities are searching for a suspect responsible for forcing two Summerville schools to be placed on lockdown Thursday morning, ABC News Charleston affiliate WCIV-TV reports.

An incident at a nearby mobile home park provoked the lockdowns. According to witnesses, a car pulled up to Bush Drive near the school and a man got out, claiming that he had been shot twice.

A white Toyota Camry with at least two bullet holes through the windshield was also at the scene.

District leaders locked down Summerville High School, Gregg Middle School, and the Adult Education Center.

The schools were locked down at 10:45 a.m. and were released from lockdown at approximately 11:15 a.m.

The incident remains under investigation.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Romney Not Attending Labor Day GOP Forum

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) -- Those who anticipated seeing presidential candidate Mitt Romney at the GOP forum to be held in South Carolina on Labor Day, are out of luck.

The former Massachusetts governor will not be in attendance at the Palmetto Freedom Forum, which is being organized by U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), and will be held in Columbia.

Officials from Romney's campaign say he will be spending time in New Hampshire on September 5, according to published reports.

"He will be in South Carolina enough to show that he is the best candidate to beat [President] Obama on jobs and the economy," spokesperson Andrea Saul told the Washington Post.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

FBI Manhunt for 'Timothy McVeigh-Like' Ex-Marine Across 12 States

(WASHINGTON) -- The FBI has launched a multi-state manhunt for a former U.S. Marine -- on the run for allegedly sexually abusing a child -- that the bureau believes is “armed and dangerous.”

Authorities worry that Charles Alan Dyer, 31, of Duncan, Okla., who's well-versed in military assault tactics and operations, may not come peacefully if confronted by police.

The FBI began pursuing Dyer earlier this month after he skipped town, failing to face the sex abuse charges in a trial that was set to begin on Aug. 15. An FBI bulletin says Dyer “is known to have numerous weapons” and an ABC News review of court records reveals that Dyer was also indicted on federal charges for possessing an unregistered Colt M-203 grenade launcher.

The FBI is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Dyer, putting up digital billboards depicting Dyer’s image at locations in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina and South Carolina. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for any information leading to his arrest.

Dyer is described as a white male, 5’10” to 6’0”, 175 to 200 pounds, brown shaved hair and blue eyes. There are indications Dyer may have grown a beard, lost some weight and that his head is no longer shaved.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Five Points Curfew Approved

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) -- City officials, business owners, and residents young and old gathered Tuesday to discuss making permanent the temporary curfew for the Five Points neighborhood shopping district, according to ABC News Columbia affiliate WOLO-TV.

The permanent Five Points curfew was approved and will be effective immediately.

Meeting attendants argued that the proposed ban on teenagers 17 and under between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. would only push the problems to neighboring areas.

Another proposal offered to implement a citywide curfew, which is now under consideration by city officials.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

South Carolina Urged to Brace for Hurricane Irene

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) -- As Hurricane Irene continues to wreak havoc in the Caribbean, residents of South Carolina are being told to brace for the effects of the powerful weather system as it may impact the state.

With forecasts calling for Irene to possibly begin affecting parts of the area on Friday, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division is urging residents to monitor media reports for information about the hurricane, and to make evacuation preparations in advance, in order to be well prepared if an evacuation becomes necessary.

The National Weather Service is forecasting that tropical storm conditions may begin affecting Charleston, Folly Beach, and other surrounding areas from Friday night into the weekend.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio