Escaped maximum-security inmate sought in stabbing of SC police officer

Authorities are searching for an escaped maximum-security inmate who's suspected of stabbing a police officer several times Wednesday night at the Bush River Road Walmart.

Michael Allen Williamson, 47, escaped at around 8:50 p.m. Wednesday from McCormick Correctional Institution, said Dexter Lee of the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

A female officer responding to a shoplifting call about 9:30 p.m. at the Walmart was stabbed inside the store, police said.

Police said in a news release that the officer is recovering from her injuries.

Williamson began serving a life sentence for armed robbery and assault and battery with intent to kill in 1997. Lee says authorities are still investigating how Williamson got out of the prison.

This story was originally published December 8, 2016 at 8:59 AM with the headline "Escaped maximum-security inmate sought in stabbing of SC police officer."