Lacey Cushman, 37, Taken Into Custody After Shooting of Springfield Police Chief in Barnwell County: Victim In Stable Condition
Authorities in Barnwell County have confirmed that a suspect is now in custody following a late-night shooting that left a law enforcement officer injured in the town of Blackville.
According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the incident occurred Monday at approximately 10:35 p.m. in the area of Gardenia Road. Initial reports indicated that an officer had been shot, prompting an urgent statewide Blue Alert as authorities searched for an armed and dangerous suspect.
Officials later confirmed that the injured officer is the Chief of the Springfield Police Department. He sustained a gunshot wound during the incident but is currently reported to be in stable condition, meaning his injuries are serious but not life-threatening. He is receiving medical care and is expected to survive, while colleagues, family, and members of the community remain by his side in support.
The suspect was identified as 37-year-old Lacey Cushman. Following the shooting, law enforcement agencies across the region launched a coordinated response involving local police, sheriff’s offices, and state troopers. A Be On the Lookout alert was issued, and a manhunt was initiated as authorities worked quickly to locate her.
Cushman was believed to be traveling in a white Chevrolet Traverse and was considered armed and dangerous at the time of the alert. After an intensive search effort, officials later confirmed that she has been taken into custody. The circumstances surrounding her apprehension have not yet been fully disclosed, and investigators have not released additional details regarding how she was located or detained.
The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to examine the events that led to the confrontation and shooting. Detectives are working to determine what prompted the encounter on Gardenia Road, as well as the nature of any prior interaction between the suspect and the injured officer. Charges are expected as the case develops.
The incident has deeply affected both the Springfield Police Department and the broader Barnwell County community. Law enforcement officials have expressed relief that the suspect is no longer at large and gratitude that the injured chief survived the attack.
As the investigation continues, officials are urging the public to rely on verified updates from law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured officer and supporting those impacted by the incident.
The shooting serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty, and the community continues to rally around the chief as he begins his recovery journey.