Clemson Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter suspended from campus
Clemson University officials have suspended Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity for five years, The State reported.
In fall of 2014, the fraternity was temporarily suspended from the national council after sophomore member Tucker Hipps was found dead in the shallow water of Lake Hartwell. Hipps went missing after a morning run with other pledges earlier in the day.
Police began investigations after anonymous allegations of hazing spread through social media, and with the support of the fraternity’s national council, Clemson chose to maintain Sigma Phi Epsilon’s suspension at least until the investigation of Hipps’ death is completed.
Greek organizations on campus at Clemson have been under investigation since 2010, mainly regarding to hazing and underage drinking.
Police said the investigation of Hipps’ death is ongoing, and no new information will be released until its completion.
— Madeleine Collins, News Editor
FBI takes over train wreck investigation
Federal investigators are working to determine whether an Allendale train wreck was linked to criminal activity, according to The State. Wednesday, authorities announced a $10,000 reward for the arrest of anyone responsible for the crash.
On Jan. 27, a CSX train ran off its track and crashed into a parked train across the tracks. The crash split open the train’s tanker cars, spilling 19,000 gallons of hydrochloric acid, as well as 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel.
The incident is similar to another crash in Graniteville 10 years ago, when chlorine was spilled.
The switch that controls the tracks could have been tampered with, causing the train to crash in Allendale. The FBI and the Federal Railroad Administration have taken over the investigation.
— Madeleine Collins, News Editor
Newberry man arrested for impersonating police officer
John Earl Herbert Jr. was arrested Tuesday and charged with impersonating a police officer, The State reported.
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office released an advisory Wednesday explaining the situation.
According to the advisory, in November 2014, Herbert pulled over two men on I-26 and showed them a badge. He demanded money and threatened to arrest and deport the men if they did not comply. The men went to an ATM at a convenience store close by and gave Herbert $200. Herbert quickly fled the scene.
The incident was not reported until January of 2015, though the event occurred a few months earlier. The men said they were afraid to come forward with the information after Herbert’s threat.
Herbert was taken to Newberry County Detention Center Tuesday, and his bond was set to $46,500 Wednesday.
— Madeleine Collins, News Editor