A driver tried to crash through the exit gates of a South Carolina nuclear plant Thursday night about an hour after security asked the same car to leave when it tried to enter, authorities said.

A pop-up security barrier stopped the car with an Arkansas license plate at the Oconee Nuclear Station near Seneca around 8 p.m., Oconee County Sheriff's spokesman Jimmy Watt said in a statement.

The driver backed up and tried to drive down a dirt road as Duke Energy security tried to block him in. The driver tried to hit the guards, then drove through a fence and off the nuclear plant property, Watt said.

He drove a short distance from the plant and shots were fired, although deputies haven't determined who fired them, Watt said.

The same car showed up an hour before trying to crash through the gate and the driver was asked to leave, deputies said.

A bulletin was issued to police across the U.S. to look for a silver 2002 Toyota Camry with an Arkansas tag 380-VDR, Watt said.

None of the security staff was injured, Duke Energy said.

The Oconee Nuclear Station has three nuclear reactors and started generating power 50 years ago on Lake Keowee.

The plant continues to operate safely, officials said.

“Duke Energy has comprehensive security plans and a well-trained security workforce in place. A vehicle entered an administrative gate, but was not able to access the plant due to our multiple layers of security,” Duke Energy said in statement.

Share:
More In Culture
The Health Benefits of Walking Your Dog
Days may be getting shorter and colder, but your furry friend still needs to get that daily exercise. Dr. Danielle Bernal, global veterinarian with Wellness Pet Co., joined Cheddar News to discuss the health benefits of walking for humans and dogs.
Cheddar News' Holiday Gift Guide: Children
Many parents are currently shopping for presents for their young children as the holiday season is underway. Parenting and lifestyle expert Amanda Mushro joined Cheddar News to give some ideas on what to purchase for your kids.
Time Exec. Editor Dan Macsai Discusses Process on 'Person of the Year' Pick
Since 1927, Time Magazine has chosen its Person of the Year to acknowledge the world's biggest and most influential change makers. This year it was global phenomenon Taylor Swift. Dan Macsai, executive editor of Time, spoke with Cheddar News about the process to make its pick and what's involved. So I got the chance to chat with times executive editor Dan Max about how time made its decision and the entire person of the year issue.
Load More