A manhunt in Shawnee forest for Dracy “Clint” Pendleton, a 35-year-old man, who attempted to kill a police officer, is making headlines. According to authorities, they were trying to arrest Mr. Pendleton when he fled into the forest.
A manhunt in Shawnee forest in Illinois for Dracy “Clint” Pendleton has some residents living in fear. On Saturday, Champaign County police officers attempted to make a traffic stop when the driver, Mr. Pendleton, opened fire. Pendleton, who was also shot, seriously injured one police officer before fleeing the scene.
It appears that Pendleton stole a 2007 white GMC pick-up that bears the Illinois Registration Number 165533B and escaped in the deep Shawnee forest. According to the police, the suspect was wounded during the incident, but it is unknown how severe his injuries are.
A warrant was issued for the arrest of Pendleton, 35, who was charged with the attempted murder of a police officer after wounding a Mahomet cop. Because it is considered a Class X felony, Pendleton’s bond was set at $5 million.
Statewide agencies have teamed up with Illinois State Police to hunt for Pendleton. Staff Officer Laura Lecher said:
“Since the original incident on Saturday, Pendleton made his way to Southern Illinois, where he went to ground in the Shawnee National Forest. On Tuesday morning, the Shawnee National Forest, at the request of the Illinois State Police, closed an area of the Lusk Creek Wilderness Area. This is the area where Pendleton is believed to be in hiding.
According to a press release form the U.S. Forest Service, under the area closure, the following actions are prohibited:
⁃ To enter or be in the area
⁃ Using any type of vehicle in the area
⁃ Entering or being in the closed area either on horse or on foot
Violating the prohibitions of the order is punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000 for an individual, $10,000 for an organization, imprisonment for no more than six months, or both a fine and prison time.
The police described Pendleton as follows – a white male, 35 years old, 5’10”, 155 lbs., with blue eyes and blond hair. Anyone with information is asked not to approach the criminal, instead, immediately call the Illinois State Police at 618-542-1483 or dial 911.
