Security employee files suit

Web posted January 22, 1998

 Past stories about the Phelon plant shootings

By Kathy Steele
South Carolina Bureau

AIKEN -- The security guard wounded during a fatal attack at R.E. Phelon Co. in September sued the company Tuesday for negligence.

Stanley Vance, who sued with his wife, Donna, in Aiken County Court of Common Pleas, was employed by Regent Security Services Inc., a company under contract to provide Phelon's security.

Mr. Vance supervised other Regent Security employees and was at the guardhouse Sept. 15 when Arthur Hastings Wise showed up about 3 p.m. as Phelon plant employees changed shifts, the lawsuit says.

Mr. Wise is accused of walking into the plant and killing four employees: Sheryl Wood, 27, David Moore, 30, Leonard Filyaw, 30, and Charles Griffeth, 56. Another employee, Jerry Corley, 44, was wounded.

Before entering the plant, Mr. Wise shot Mr. Vance ``at near point-blank range causing him to be severely personally injured,'' the suit states. Phelon officials withheld information critical for Mr. Vance to perform his duties as security supervisor, according to the lawsuit.

Mr. Wise was fired July 7 for insubordination and for creating a disturbance, according to the suit. Phelon officials knew that Mr. Wise had threatened employees and supervisory personnel but they didn't warn Mr. Vance about the threats, the suit states.

The lawsuit accuses Phelon of being criminally liable in connection with the charges against Mr. Wise, who is accused of murder and assault and battery with intent to kill.

Mr. Vance has suffered permanent disfigurement and paralysis, and he can no longer earn a living, according to the lawsuit. No specific damages are requested. A lawsuit represents only one point of view.