CLAIBORNE COUNTY, TN - A man from the Tiprell community of Claiborne County who was distraught over the loss of his friend, opened fire on two employees of Norfolk Southern Railroad when their train was stopped on the tracks.
The incident occurred on Thursday, June 2, when Claiborne 911 received reports of a shooting in the Tiprell community, according to Sheriff David Ray. Officers of the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office along with Detective Bob Morelock arrived shortly after and immediately launched an investigation.
Source Claiborne Progress
The investigation continued through the night into the early morning hours of Friday, June 3 when Detectives Darrell Thomas and Rick Yother of the Norfolk Southern Railroad Corporation met with Chief Detective David Honeycutt and Deputy Intern Chris Cardwell.
Mark Anthony Bruce, 47 was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. Chief Detective Honeycutt states that the investigation revealed that Bruce, while under the influence of drugs and alcohol became angry blaming the death of his friend, Timmy Miracle, on Norfolk Southern Railroad.
Sheriff Ray stated that the evidence and statements have shown that Bruce walked down to the train, which was stopped on the tracks, aimed an AK-47 assault rifle with a 30-round magazine, at two employees inside the train and told them to leave immediately. After instructing them to leave, Bruce opened fire on the train.
Judge Robert Estep has set his bond at $100,000.
Sheriff Ray stated that more charges are possibly pending on the outcome of a meeting with Homeland Security, who will show some interest in this case since the victims are the railroad and their employees.
Published by FELA lawyer news blog at Gordon & Elias, LLP