FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Florence County officials say someone drove a car into a business on West Palmetto Street Thursday morning, stole merchandise from the store, and now deputies are searching for the thieves.

Chief Deputy Glen Kirby with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office says a car was stolen in Hartsville then used to drive into

the Generation 3 Powersports building located at 3311 W Palmetto St. While it’s unclear how many people were in the stolen car when it crashed into the business, Kirby says three men went into the powersports store and started stealing merchandise.

When deputies arrived on the scene, the suspects ran into the woods behind Sneed Middle School. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office searched for the suspects with several deputies and the helicopter but ended the manhunt shortly before 10 a.m. Major Mike Nunn, with the Sheriff’s office, says deputies will test the pickup for prints.

Owner Don Miller says 12 bikes were damaged during the burglary. He estimates about $10,000 in damages to the bikes and building.

“Around 5:30am security central called me and said we had a break in so I rushed over here,” said Miller. “They ran in the back of the utility vehicles the Kawasaki mules it drove some of them forward then backed up and rammed into them again.”

Miller says once a year the business has a major break in.

“A couple of times already this year people tried to cut the fence and got caught by the alarm system,” said Miller.

Miller says last August a similar burglary happened, where a pickup truck ran into the back door. The suspect stole one bike. Miller says the suspect was never caught.

“A lot of times you almost want to give up but something keeps driving you to keep going,” said Miller.

Miller says the family business with get through this together for the next generation.

“That’s why we call it generation 3 power sports. My sons are the third generation. I’m the second generation…,” said Miller.

Deputies say the suspect got into another dark colored truck and at last check, the suspects are still on the run.

If you have any information that may help the sheriff’s office.