Search Initiated Following Shooting of Jacksonville Police Officer; 64-Year-Old Bobby Michael Dennis Named as Suspect

 JACKSONVILLE, Texas — An ordinarily calm Sunday afternoon in Jacksonville escalated into a frightening situation when a police officer was shot around 4:41 p.m. during an encounter with a suspect, as reported by the Jacksonville Police Department. The wounded officer was airlifted to a medical facility in Tyler, where his condition is currently stable.

Authorities have named the suspect as Bobby Michael Dennis, a 64-year-old Black male, who stands approximately 5′9″ tall and weighs around 152 pounds, and was last spotted wearing all black. Officials indicated that Dennis may be armed with a rifle and is still at large, leading to a significant statewide manhunt and the issuance of a Texas Blue Alert on Sunday evening around 8:19 p.m.

Investigators suspect Dennis could be operating a gray 2012 GMC Sierra with the Texas license plate TRW3919. Various law enforcement agencies in the area—including the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Game Wardens, and Tyler Police Department—are participating in the coordinated effort to find him.

Residents near Churchill Street and Benson Memorial were advised to secure their homes, remain indoors, and immediately report any suspicious occurrences. The area is currently under heightened police surveillance as tactical units and K-9 teams carry on with their search.

In the midst of the distressing incident, a police K-9 was also hurt and was taken to a veterinary hospital in Tyler, where it is reported to be in stable condition.

A neighbor, clearly disturbed by the events, shared with reporters, “It was unimaginable... I had never seen Mr. Dennis act violently. He has lived in this neighborhood for years. None of us anticipated this.”

The reason for the shooting is yet to be determined, as authorities prioritize safely apprehending the suspect. Officials are urging the public to treat Dennis as armed and dangerous and to avoid confronting him under any circumstances.

For the moment, the Jacksonville community is remaining tense but stands together in hope for a peaceful outcome and a complete recovery for the injured officer.