CARBONDALE — The car believed involved in the late Sunday night shooting of a Carbondale police officer was found burned and abandoned Monday afternoon in the woods in Carterville.

According to Carbondale Police Chief Jeff Grubbs, the officer was hit after bullets came through the windshield. He did not say how many hit the officer, who was first taken to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale before being transported to a St. Louis area hospital where he is in stable but serious condition. Earlier reports indicated the officer is conscious, however.

The chief says the 26-year-old officer has been a member of the police department since 2013. Grubbs says he is not releasing the officer’s name at this time.

As for the car police were pursuing, its burned out remains were found Monday afternoon in the woods off Dewmaine School Road in Carterville. The vehicle was towed from the scene to the ISP lot in DuQuoin.

Grubbs says the car had been occupied by at least two black men. He said they are working to provide better descriptions of the suspects and hope to have their identities soon.

Grubbs says a $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the identity, arrest and conviction of those responsible in this incident.

Illinois State Police is now leading the investigation.

Grubbs cautions people to not try and apprehend or otherwise confront suspects in the case, as they are considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information should call Carbondale Police, ISP in Du Quoin or visit the Carbondale Police website.