A local shotgun-wielding business owner fended off two would-be robbers Thursday afternoon, but the suspects remain at large, said Sheriff Steve Rushing.

Phillip “Duke” Montgomery said a man armed with a pistol and wearing a ski mask approached Montgomery’s shop, Zetus Automotive, at approximately 1:15 p.m. “I turned around and there was a pistol pointed at my face,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery said he took cover behind a vehicle. After a few moments of confusion, the man fled and Montgomery retrieved a pump-action 12-gauge shotgun and fired approximately six times at the man as he ran into the woods and joined a second, previously unseen individual.

Contrary to some reports on social media, Montgomery does not appear to have killed anyone with his shots.

“We don’t think he hit anyone,” Rushing said of the gunfire.

A green Expedition that may have been used by the two men was subsequently found in a ditch on Jackson Liberty Road.

Law enforcement, including the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Mississippi Highway Patrol began a search of the woods in the area, Rushing said.

The sheriff advised residents to take caution and report anyone suspicious seen walking on Zetus Road or Jackson Liberty Road. The two men are said to be black males in their mid-20s or 30s.

The sheriff expressed confidence the department had some promising leads.

Said Rushing, “We’ve got a suspect name we’re going to try to run down.”