Blue Alert issued in South Carolina following officer shooting

BLACKVILLE, SC — Authorities have issued a statewide Blue Alert as they seek for a suspect linked to the shooting of a regulation enforcement officer in rural South Carolina.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) introduced the alert Monday, April 20, 2026, figuring out the suspect as 37-year-old Lacey Nicole Cushman. Officials say the alert was activated after an officer was significantly injured in a shooting on Gardenia Road in Blackville, South Carolina.

According to SLED, Cushman is described as a white feminine, roughly 5 toes 9 inches tall and weighing round 200 kilos. Additional particulars about her hair, clothes, and different figuring out options weren’t instantly obtainable.

Investigators imagine Cushman could also be touring in a white 2011 Chevrolet Traverse with a trailer hitch, bearing South Carolina license plate 7061RU. The car was final believed to be heading towards Bamberg County, South Carolina.

The injured officer sustained wounds from the shooting. Authorities haven’t but launched the officer’s id or present situation.

The Blue Alert program, established in South Carolina in 2012, is designed to rapidly notify the general public when a suspect is accused of killing, significantly injuring, or abducting a regulation enforcement officer. By quickly sharing info, officers purpose to forestall the suspect from fleeing and cut back the danger to public security.

Anyone with details about Cushman’s whereabouts is urged to contact regulation enforcement instantly. Media inquiries may be directed to SLED Public Information Officer Renee Wunderlich at pio@sled.sc.gov.

Officials additionally advise the general public to confirm updates via the official SLED web site.