POPE CO.- An active manhunt has been underway for the search of Dracy “Clint” Pendleton, 35 at the Shawnee National Forest. Pendleton is wanted for the attempted murder of a Mahomet police officer.
Sources police received a tip of a possible sighting of Pendleton near Rosiclare, but authorities cannot confirm the lead as they are investigating several leads from members of the community.
The FBI released a statement offering a $10,000 reward for the information leading to an arrest of Pendleton.
On May 7, 2016, at approximately 10:45 p.m., Pendleton and the police officer allegedly exchanged gunfire following a traffic stop. Pendleton fled the scene after the exchange.
Pendleton was charged with aggravated battery with a firearm by the Circuit Court of Champaign County, Illinois, and on May 8, 2016, a state warrant was issued for his arrest. A federal arrest warrant was issued by the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois on May 10, 2016, after Pendleton was charged federally with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Law enforcement agencies believe that Pendleton may be armed with an AK-47 rifle. Police also state that Pendleton shaved his beard and cut his hair. The FBI released an altered photo of how he may look.
Authorities also believe Pendleton may have a gunshot wound near his neck and a limp from a previous leg injury. Pendleton was last seen Monday, May 10 around 9:15 a.m. wearing a black shirt, camouflage pants and boots.
Anyone with further information is to contact the Illinois State Police at 618-542-1483 or the FBI’s Springfield Field Office at 217-522-9675.
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