Blue Alert Issued in South Carolina After Officer Shot; Suspect Lacey Nicole Cushman Sought
Authorities in South Carolina have issued a statewide Blue Alert following the shooting of a law enforcement officer in the rural community of Blackville. The alert, announced on April 20, 2026, by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, identifies 37-year-old Lacey Nicole Cushman as the primary suspect.
According to officials, the incident occurred on Gardenia Road, where an officer sustained serious injuries after being shot. Authorities have not yet released the officer’s identity or provided an update on their current condition.
Investigators describe Cushman as a white female, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing around 200 pounds. She is considered armed and dangerous. Law enforcement believes she may be traveling in a white 2011 Chevrolet Traverse equipped with a trailer hitch and bearing a South Carolina license plate. The vehicle was last seen heading toward Bamberg County.
The Blue Alert system, established in South Carolina in 2012, is designed to rapidly notify the public when a suspect is accused of seriously injuring or killing a police officer. Officials say the program plays a critical role in mobilizing community awareness and assisting in the swift apprehension of dangerous suspects.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and avoid approaching the suspect. Anyone with information regarding Cushman’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact local law enforcement or the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division immediately. Authorities also advise the public to follow official updates through SLED channels as the search continues.