Police: Man who shot cop believed to be in Southern Illinois

Posted on May 11, 2016

State Police say Dracy Pendleton has shaved and trimmed his hair following last week’s shooting of a police officer in Champaign County. (Photo courtesy Illinois State Police)

By Eric Stock

DELWOOD – Illinois State Police say their search for a Bellflower man who allegedly shot a police officer in Mahomet last week is active in Southern Illinois.

Police say Dracy “Clint” Pendleton is believed to be Shawnee National Forest in northern Pope County. They say Pendleton is familiar with the area and should be considered armed and dangrous.

Prosecutors in Champaign County have issued a warrant for his arrest and plan to charge him with the attempted murder of a police officer.

Pendleton was last seen on Tuesday morning wearng a black shrt, camouflage pants and boots. Police say he has shaved his beard and trimmed his hair.

Police say Pendelton sustained a possible gunshot wound to his neck from the incident in Champaign County. He also could have a prior unrelated knee injury that could cause him to walk with a limp.

Pendleton allegedly shot a Mahomet police officer during a fight after the cop had pulled him over. Pendleton then drove off as the officer returned fire. He stole a pickp truck that was found abandoned in the Riverbend Forest Preserve

Anyone with information is asked to call Illinois State Police at (618) 542-1483.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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