POPE COUNTY — Authorities are confirming a massive manhunt is in place in deep Southern Illinois for a 34-year-old Bellflower man wanted in connection with shooting a Mahomet police officer this weekend.

Illinois State Police say they are searching around the Shawnee National Forest area for Dracy “Clint” Pendleton. Pendleton is accused of shooting a police officer during a traffic stop.

Police believe Pendleton may have also been hit in the exchange of gunfire. A finger, believed to belong to Pendleton was reportedly found at the scene.

He is known to have lived in the Shawnee National Forest area of Southern Illinois in the past and was last seen driving a stolen white 2007 GMC pickup truck, which has reportedly been found.

The sheriff in Pope County said not only is his agency involved in the search for Pendleton, but that he knows the suspect personally. The sheriff says he arrested Pendleton in 2012 over a “minor violation.”

In that case Pendleton was charged with two counts Class 4 felony for aggravated assault with the discharge of a firearm and stalking, as well as misdemeanor aggravated assault of a handicapped or elderly person, and four misdemeanor counts of criminal trespass by remaining on private land.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Pendleton in the most recent incident, with bail set at $5 million.

Police say he is considered armed and dangerous. Police reports say after Saturday night’s shooting incident, Pendleton ran into a nearby house, grabbing an AK-47 that he took with him as he fled.

The Shawnee National Forest is an approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hour drive down Interstate 57 from Mahomet.

Pendleton is described as a white male, 5’10,” 155 pounds, with blue eyes and blonde hair. Anyone with information is asked to call 217-384-TIPS, or by visiting www.373tips.com.