(CNN) -- A nationwide manhunt is on for a man who fatally shot one police officer and critically wounded a second in a shootout in Tupelo, Mississippi. 

"Do not confront this person, notify law enforcement," urged FBI Special Agent Daniel McMullen, who added that the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous. 

The incident began two states away from Mississippi, in Georgia, two days before Christmas, when the man attempted -- but failed -- to rob an Atlanta bank, the FBI said. 

A few hours later and 300 miles west, in Tupelo, Mississippi, the same man robbed a bank. 

That led to a shootout with police, during which the man fatally shot Tupelo Police Officer Gale Stauffer and wounded another officer, the FBI said Friday. 

Representatives of dozens of police agencies attended the funeral for Stauffer on Friday, Tupelo Police Chief Bart Aguirre said Saturday in a telephone interview. More than 300 police vehicles participated in a procession in Stauffer's honor. 

"Almost the entire city of Tupelo lined the streets for the procession," iReporter Lee Anne Grace said Saturday. "I lost count after 205 police cars, 16 motorcycles." 

Grace, a music teacher at an elementary school, said she realized she knew Stauffer only after seeing his picture in a news story. "Whenever our crossing guard is out, the Tupelo police sent someone to help out," she said. "He was usually the one." 

The eight-year veteran leaves a widow and children, ages 2 and 6. 

"To my knowledge, we haven't ever had a fatality," Aguirre said about his force, which includes 109 officers and two dozen civilian personnel. 
what was he?
Police Officer