Suspect Escapes Authorities after Deputy-Involved Shooting

KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO) – Authorities are looking for a man who allegedly fired multiple times at Kershaw County deputies Thursday evening. Sheriff Jim Matthews says deputies were looking for Ernest Pickett (also known as Ernest Allen) for eight counts of distributing crack cocaine and attempted to make a traffic stop. That’s when he says Pickett jumped out of the car near Precipice and Black River Roads, shooting at deputies five or six times. Those deputies were not hurt in the incident, but Sheriff Matthews say they did return fire. It is not know if Pickett was hit. K9 dogs were able to find Pickett’s weapon after he fled into the woods, but he remains at large. Sheriff Matthews say Pickett is in his later 20’s to early 30’s and has an extensive criminal record. If you have any information on his whereabouts, you’re asked to call the sheriff’s office.