A manhunt that included canines and helicopter flyover took place late Thursday after a Union man was robbed and a driver who may have been involved in the robbery fled from officers.

Chief Sam White of the Union Public Safety Department said that around 8:25 p.m. Marcus A. Smith, 31, reported he was approached by two armed men on Gage Avenue and robbed.

“He said he parked his car and was walking to his apartment when he heard what he thought was a gun being racked,” White said.

Smith turned around and saw a black man in a black jacket with his face covered with a ski mask. There was one other man with him.

“He heard another gun being racked and was ordered to turn around,” White said.

Smith threw his car keys, cell phone and money on the ground. One of the men picked up the money while the other held a gun on Smith. They then took off running toward Highland Drive. Smith retrieved his phone and keys.

Sgt. Jermaine Smith, who was in the area, saw a 1990 Ford Crown Victoria traveling with no headlights on. He attempted to stop it at the intersection of Highland Drive and Boyce Street. The driver jumped out and ran up Boyce Street onto Robin Hood Circle. He ran out of his shoes and left them behind. The car later was reported stolen by Brian Gist of 311 McClure St. White said sheriff’s deputies are investigating this because that address is in the county.

Meanwhile, officers converged on the area, including Investigator Mickey Parker, the public safety department’s K-9 handler and Sgt. Roy Brackins with the Union County Detention Center, the county’s K-9 handler. White said several public safety officers who were off duty came in to help and numerous deputies, including Sheriff David Taylor, responded. White said the sheriff’s office was interested in the robbery call because it was similar to an incident a couple of weeks ago where a man was robbed after using the ATM machine at the Monarch branch of Arthur State Bank.

“Sheriff Taylor asked the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office to fly down in their helicopter,” White said.

Around 10 p.m. a Maid Marion Drive resident reported that a man was in her back yard who had no shoes on. Officers searched, but were unable to locate him.

At one point, the helicopter pilot reported seeing movement in the fenced-in area around Excelsior Mill. Officers also checked this area.

The search was called off around midnight.

“If anyone has information they can call Crime Stoppers, the public safety department, or the sheriff’s office — they are also very interested, too,” White said.