A manhunt in southern Illinois has led the U.S. Forest Service to close part of the Shawnee National Forest.
Illinois State Police say the forest's Lusk Creek Wilderness area is closed until further notice as federal, state and local authorities search for 34-year-old Dracy "Clint" Pendleton. They say anyone entering another part of the forest should be on high alert.
The F.B.I. and local authorities are asking for the public's help in locating Pendleton. Police say he is believed to be armed and dangerous. The F.B.I. says Pendelton may be armed with an AK-47 rifle. Pendleton is wanted for the attempted murder of a central Illinois police officer. Police say on May 7 Pendleton and a Mohomet police officer exchanged gunfire following a traffic stop. Pendleton left the scene after the exchange.
A Champaign County judge has charged Pendleton with aggravated battery with a firearm and a state warrant for his arrest was issued on May 8. Pendleton has since been charged in federal court with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Authorities have been searching for Pendleton in the northern part of Pope County in southern Illinois. State Police say he was last seen on Monday morning. Police say Pendleton has shaved his beard and trimmed his hair. He may also be driving a white, 2-door GMC pickup truck with Illinois license plate 1635533 B with the number 30070 on the doors.
The F.B.I. is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Dracy "Clint" Pendleton.
