Suspect accused of shooting Jacksonville officer arrested

JACKSONVILLE, Texas (KETK)— The man accused of shooting a Jacksonville police officer and a K-9 has been taken into custody after a four-day manhunt, authorities said.

Aerial footage shows the moment law enforcement detained Jacksonville fugitive Bobby Dennis

Courtesy of DPS

At around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, multiple agencies assisted the Jacksonville Police Department in serving a search warrant at a property on County Road 3509, west of the Jacksonville city limits, to arrest Bobby Michael Dennis, 64, of Jacksonville. 

The four-day manhunt was initiated after Dennis allegedly shot a Jacksonville police officer and a K9 on Sunday afternoon at around 4:30 p.m. after the officer approached Dennis outside of his home because she knew he was wanted on two warrants for obstruction and retaliation.

After the officer approached his home, she saw Dennis walk behind his house before he opened fire with an AR-15 style rifle. The officer took cover behind her patrol vehicle, which was hit by several bullets that injured K9 Renzo inside.

Following the incident, Dennis was placed on the 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List by the Texas Department of Public Safety and a BLUE Alert was issued on Sunday night.

Additionally, on Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that his office is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to Dennis’s arrest. Also, on Tuesday, an anonymous donor added a $10,000 reward for information on Dennis’s whereabouts.

Courtesy of the Jacksonville Police Department

Dennis is accused of shooting at an officer and a K9 on Sunday afternoon.

According to officials, Dennis was found in a wooded area near the property and surrendered to law enforcement without incident.

Dennis has been charged with: 

• Attempted capital murder of a peace officer
• Interference with a police service animal
• Two counts of obstruction or retaliation

Jacksonville police said the arrest followed “multiple days of extensive investigative efforts,” thanking the numerous agencies that assisted in the search and apprehension.

“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for your tireless dedication, teamwork, and support throughout this investigation,” the department said in a statement.

Following Dennis’ arrest, a press conference was held at the Jacksonville Police Department, where Chief Steve Markasky spoke about the arrest and provided updates on the current status of the officer and K-9 who were shot on Sunday.

Markasky stated that Dennis peacefully surrendered after being found and was taken into custody following a convoy that consisted of 40 to 50 officers. Markasky also stated that officers found a bunker created by Dennis near where he was found, and they also found a nine-millimeter pistol inside the bunker.

“It couldn’t have been any better for the suspect and their friends,” Markasky said. “This is the best way it could have ended, and I’m glad it did.”

According to Markasky, the victim was notified that Dennis had been captured, bringing both of them to tears. Markasky also stated that the officer is still in the hospital after undergoing an additional surgery on Wednesday, and is doing better.

“We can’t forget that I still have an officer in the hospital; she is a strong woman and probably the strongest woman I’ve ever met,” Markasky said.

Markasky also provided an update on the K-9 Renzo, who was also shot on Sunday, stating that he is recovering after undergoing several surgeries.

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