Truck driver stabbed in neck

A truck driver from Georgia was stabbed after being robbed at 4:45 a.m. today, said Chief Deputy Joel Hill of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

The man was flown by Regional One to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center after suffering a 4-inch stab wound to the neck. Hill would not release the man's identity until his family had been contacted.

The truck driver told police he had parked on the southbound exit ramp at Mile Marker 102 on Interstate 85 at approximately midnight and gone to sleep. He said he awoke and stepped out onto the step of the truck when he was approached by two black males wearing black clothing. He said a struggle ensued and he was cut on his neck.

The men took the truck driver's backpack containing money and personal items and fled on foot, according to the chief.

Hill said the Cherokee County Bloodhound Tracking Team responded and followed a scent to the McDonald's parking lot where authorities believe the men may have gotten into a vehicle to escape.

Hill said investigators are trying to develop other leads.

The Blacksburg Police Department is assisting with the investigation.