By Eric Stock
MAHOMET – Illinois State Police and authorities in Champaign County are searching for a suspect in a police offer shooting. Police say the man is ‘armed and dangerous.’
Police say Mahomet officer Jeremy Scharlow was involved in a shooting with Dracy “Clint” Pendleton, 35 at 10:45 p.m. The two exchanged gunfire and Pendleton fled the scene. A Champaign County judge issued an arrest warrant for Pendleton on Sunday accusing him of aggravated battery with a firearm.
The officer was shot in the arm and it is believed Pendleton might have been shot during the confrontation. Pendleton may seek treatment for his injuries at a medical facility. He is believed to be armed with an AK-47.
“This is the moment dreaded by every law enforcement officer, their family and friends – when an offender pulls a gun and begins firing,” said Illinois FOP State Lodge President Chris Southwood. “This time, due to the grace of God and the quick reaction of his fellow officers, the Mahomet officer did not sustain life-threatening injuries.”
Pendleton has possibly stolen a 2007 white GMC pick-up truck bearing Illinois registration number 165533B.
Police say a state trooper was involved in a fatal crash in Decatur shortly after 11 p.m. Saturday while trying to track down Pendleton. The squad car collided with a van at a Decatur intersection, killing a 26-year-old Decatur woman. The victim’s name has not yet been released.
“It saddens me to announce a young mother of two was fatally injured in a car crash with an Illinois State Trooper last night,” said Illinois State Police Director Leo Schmitz. “At this difficult time, the Illinois State Police extends its sincerest condolences to her family and continues to investigate this crash. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and the ISP trooper.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 217-384-TIPS, or by visiting www.373tips.com.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
