iStock/Thinkstock(MCCORMICK, S.C.) — An inmate serving a life sentence in a South Carolina prison escaped from custody on Wednesday night and is now wanted for questioning in the stabbing of a police officer, according to correctional officials and police.
The inmate, Michael Alan Williamson, escaped from the McCormick Correctional Institution, a medium/maximum level prison, at approximately 8:50 p.m.
He is believed to have traveled to Columbia, where a female police officer was stabbed several times after responding to a shoplifting call at a WalMart just before 10 p.m.
Police now say he is wanted in connection with that assault on the officer, who is in stable condition at a local hospital.
Here is a picture of the suspect accused of assaulting a CPD officer. Still active search for this man. pic.twitter.com/fEtKLZMnPC
— Cola Police Dept. SC (@ColumbiaPDSC) December 8, 2016
Williamson, 47, is 5’11” with green eyes and brown hair and weighs about 111 pounds, according to correctional records.
He was sentenced to life in prison in 1998 for armed robbery and was also convicted in 1997 of assault and battery with intent to kill.
WANTED FOR ESCAPE:
Inmate Michael Alan Williamson
REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO CAPTURE
CALL TOLL FREE 24 HOURS A DAY AT (877) 349-2130 pic.twitter.com/D9026Tvcg2— SC Dept. Corrections (@SCDCNews) December 8, 2016
Williamson’s prison records show several disciplinary actions for use or possession of unauthorized drugs, smuggling of contraband and other infractions.
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