The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1917-01-05
Terrible Tragedy Results From
Attempt TO Catch Robbers
Father Misfook Son For One
of the Robbers and Shot Him,
Inficfing Wound-One of the
Robbers Caught.
(Spartanburg JournaD

O'Clock when J. w. Lanford shot and
instantly killed his son, Oscar l.. Lam
ford, whom he thought was robber.
Before he fell from the mortal wound
Oscar Lanford returned the fire and
inflicted superficial, though probably
serious injuries to his father. The
two men with J. L.. Fleming had
formed posse to capture two rob-
bers who were enroute from Ora to
Lanford Station and after they had
concealed themselves behind the C.
and w. G. depot the young man dart
ed OF from behind the depot in clear
viewsSs his father. Thinking that his
son was one of the robbers he fired
several shots, one of which penetrat-
ed the body, producing his death. Af-
ter the first shot the son thought that
he was the taget of the robbers bull
lets and he fired at the advancing
figure, little thinking that he was fir
ing at his own father. The bullet en-
tered the arm of j. w. Lanford, pro-
ducing flesh wound.
Reports Scatter Widely.
The news of the distressing accident
scattered rapidly and officers of Lau-
rens county and the rural officers of
the lower section of Spartanburg
county fastened to the scene in an eff
fort to capture the robbers, who
though not directly responsible for the
accident, were nevertheless indirectly
the cause of the calamity.
One Arrest Made.
Advlces reaching the city later to-
day advised that suspect in connec-
tion with the case had been arrested
at Woodruff, IL or IA miles this side
Of Lanford station and had been taken
to the county Jail at Laurens, The
evidence secured. against the suspect
IS unknown, though reports advise
that he is probably one of the men
who had entered the home of w. T.
Blakely at Ora, five miles south of
Lanford Station early this morning
and who were reported to be travelling
in the direction of Lanford Station.
Saw Two Men Coming.
1t was for the purpose of appre-
hending the robbers as they entered
Lanford Station this morning that ].
w. Lanford, Oscar l.. Lanford and ].
l.. rlemlng met at the depot of the
village and concealed themselves to
await the arrival of the robbers. While
IN concealment the men saw two men
coming down the railway tracks with
flashlights in their hands. They could
not distinguish if they were white or
colored.
when the two men reached within
20 or 30 feet of the depot Lanford and
his posse moved from their positions
as II they would close in on the rob-
bers. In some unaccountable way J.
w. Lanford became confused and mis-
taking his son for one of the robbers,
ne opened fire, one of the bullets en-
tering the body of his son, producing
almost instant death. The SON think
ing that his father was a robber re-
turned the fire but fortunately only a
hesh wound was received by him.
After the shooting had ceased be-
tween the father and son Fleming
emerged from his position and after
an investigation discovered the mis-
take. He saw the two men, alleged
to be robbers, fleeing in the direction
of Spartanburg.
Robbers Did Not Shoot?
So far as could be ascertained from
statements from J. w. Lanford and
Fiemlng 1T is not known if the robbers
did any shooting. 1t is known, how
ever, that 10 or IL shots were fired.
At the time of the shooting the rob-
bers were somewhere near, probably
within 20 feet of the men.
Sheriff Watts of Laurens countv
and Rural Officer Tom Owens has
tened to Lanford Station this morning
and, securing clues as to the move
ments Of the robbers, moved on in the
direction Of Woodruff. At Woodruff
Rural Officer Owens arrested white
man as suspect. Officers in Spar
tanburg were notified of the occur
renee and were requested to make eff
forts to examine any suspects who
might enter the city today.
Broke in at Ora.
The robbers had entered the home
of w. T. Blakey at Ora, five miles
south of Uanford Station and made
their getaway, though information
was secured that they were moving in
the direction of Spartanburg. Tele-
phone communication were secured
early this morning with Lanford Sta
tion and the Lanfords and Flemings
decided to form the posse. Oscar L.
Lanford owns one Of the largest
stores at Lanford Station, and for
this reason he was one of the first to
consent to answer the call in order
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