Officer shot in Jacksonville; manhunt underway

JACKSONVILLE, Texas – An intensive search is underway across East Texas for a suspect accused of shooting a Jacksonville police officer late Sunday night, May 26th. The incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. on the 200 block of Haynes Street, prompting a Blue Alert for the armed and dangerous individual.

The officer, who was reportedly responding to a disturbance call, sustained a gunshot wound and is currently in stable condition at a local hospital. Authorities have not released the officer's name.

The suspect has been identified as 43-year-old Bobby Dennis. He is facing charges of aggravated assault on a public servant. Dennis is described as approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 185 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes.

Initially, Dennis was believed to be driving a black 2012 Dodge Challenger with Texas license plate FFF-4552. However, authorities now state he may be operating a different vehicle or could be on foot. Investigators believe Dennis remains in the local area or may be traveling south towards Houston or Dallas.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Jacksonville Police Department are urging the public to exercise extreme caution. Dennis is considered armed and dangerous, and individuals are warned not to approach him.

Texas Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $7,500 for information leading directly to Dennis's arrest. Anyone with information regarding Bobby Dennis's whereabouts is asked to immediately call 911 or the Jacksonville Police Department.