South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has released an endangered‑person alert on behalf of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) seeking community assistance in locating 81‑year‑old Alice Rawls. The alert, posted on October 1, 2026, describes Rawls as a senior resident of Columbia who was last seen at approximately 4:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Details of the disappearance
According to the alert, Rawls was observed at 400 Palmetto Health Parkway, the address of Prisma Health Baptist Hospital in northwest Columbia. She was described as standing 5‑foot‑1, weighing about 150 pounds, with blue eyes and grey hair. At the time she was seen, Rawls was wearing a multi‑colored dress and was behind the wheel of a white 2015 Nissan Frontier pickup truck bearing South Carolina license plate QUY 584.
Call for public help
The alert urges anyone who may have seen Rawls or who has information about her whereabouts to contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Department or their local law‑enforcement agency immediately. SLED emphasizes that timely tips could be critical to ensuring her safety.
Why the alert matters
Endangered‑person alerts are a tool used by law‑enforcement agencies to quickly disseminate vital information about vulnerable individuals who may be at risk. In this case, Rawls’s age places her in a high‑risk category for health complications if she is unable to obtain food, water, or medical care. The collaboration between SLED and RCSD reflects a coordinated effort to protect seniors in the community.
How to respond
Members of the public who have any relevant information are asked to call the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at the number listed on the official alert or to reach out to their nearest police department. Anonymous tips are also accepted through the state’s tip line, which can be accessed online or via telephone.
Background on SLED alerts
SLED routinely issues alerts for missing persons, especially those who are elderly, disabled, or otherwise vulnerable. These alerts are distributed through local news outlets, social‑media channels, and partner agencies to maximize reach. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, especially in high‑traffic areas such as hospitals, shopping centers, and public transportation hubs.
Community response
Local community groups and faith‑based organizations have expressed their willingness to assist in the search. Several churches in the Midlands region have offered to circulate the alert among their congregations and to organize volunteer search parties if needed. The emphasis on community involvement aligns with the region’s tradition of caring for its seniors and upholding family values.
Next steps
Law‑enforcement officials will continue to monitor the situation and update the public as new information becomes available. The alert remains active until Rawls is located or the investigation is closed. Residents are reminded that even a brief sighting or a small piece of information can make a difference.
For the most current updates, readers should follow the Richland County Sheriff’s Department’s official social‑media accounts and check local news outlets regularly.
Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.
