Suspect in shooting of East Texas police officer arrested after Blue Alert

A man accused of shooting an East Texas police officer was arrested Wednesday night following a three-day manhunt, according to the Jacksonville Police Department.

A Texas Blue Alert was issued for the suspect after a Jacksonville police officer and a police dog were shot and wounded about 4:40 p.m. on Sunday.

The injured officer was flown to a hospital in Tyler, where he had surgery and was in stable condition, authorities said.

The Jacksonville Police Department and state officials asked for the public’s help to locate 64-year-old Bobby Michael Dennis. Jacksonville is about 150 miles southeast of Fort Worth.

Police said Dennis was armed with a rifle and is considered dangerous. He was arrested Wednesday when officers searched a property west of the Jacksonville city limits. He faces charges including attempted capital murder.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced a $10,000 reward from the Governor’s Public Safety Office for information leading to the arrest of Dennis.

“Attacks on our men and women in uniform must stop,” Abbott said in a statement. “Our law enforcement officers who selflessly risk their lives every day to serve and protect must know they will always have the full support of the State of Texas. ... Texas is a law-and-order state, and the dangerous criminal who attacked a Jacksonville Police Officer and their K-9 will experience the full weight of justice brought against him.”

This story was originally published November 3, 2025 at 2:46 PM.