Police Searching For Suspect In Shooting Of Mahomet Officer

(CBS) A manhunt is underway for a suspect in the shooting of a police officer in downstate Mahomet.

The Mahomet Police Department says the suspect, 34-year-old Dracy "Clint" Pendleton, was stopped just before 11 p.m. Saturday night for a minor traffic violation.

After being released with warnings, Pendleton encountered another police officer in the 600 block of South Vine Street and became involved in a physical encounter with the officer.

Police say Pendleton produced a handgun and shot the officer. The officer fired back and Pendleton fled into a residence where he retrieved a rifle and fired more shots before fleeing in his truck.

Pendleton's truck was found near the Riverbend Forest Preserve and he is believed to have stolen a white company pickup truck from the Mid-America Sand & Gravel in Mahomet, according to a police alert. The truck is a tan 1997 two door GMC 2500 with the number "30070" painted on the doors.

The officer was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening wounds.

Police say Pendleton is likely armed with an AK-47. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.