CUNEY, Texas – A multi-agency manhunt has ended in the arrest of a Texas Department of Public Safety Top 10 Most Wanted fugitive accused of shooting a Jacksonville police officer last weekend. Authorities confirmed that 64-year-old Bobby Michael Dennis, of Jacksonville, was captured Wednesday evening after days on the run.
Capture After Multi-Agency Search
According to the Jacksonville Police Department, Dennis was arrested around 8:30 p.m. when officers executed a search warrant at a property on County Road, just west of the city limits near Cuney.
He was found hiding in a wooded area and surrendered without incident after being surrounded by law enforcement officers. In a symbolic gesture, police said Dennis was handcuffed using the injured officer’s own handcuffs before being taken into custody and booked into the Cherokee County Jail.
“This arrest was the result of extraordinary cooperation among multiple agencies,” said a Jacksonville Police spokesperson. “Our priority was ensuring the safety of the community and bringing this suspect into custody without further violence.”
Charges and Ongoing Case
Dennis faces multiple felony charges, including attempted capital murder of a peace officer, interference with a police service animal, and two counts of obstruction or retaliation.
Officials said Dennis had been placed on the Texas DPS Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list following the shooting, which occurred Sunday afternoon during an encounter with a Jacksonville police officer.
The officer, whose name has not been publicly released, was airlifted to a Tyler hospital immediately after the incident. Authorities said the officer remains in stable condition and is expected to recover.
Blue Alert Issued Statewide
After the shooting, a Texas Blue Alert was issued to warn the public and assist in the search for Dennis. The statewide alert triggered increased patrols and surveillance across East Texas.
The suspect was eventually tracked to a rural property outside Jacksonville, where tactical teams and tracking units narrowed in on his location.
Agencies Involved in the Operation
Officials credited the arrest to the coordinated efforts of several law enforcement agencies, including:
- Jacksonville Police Department
- Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
- Texas Rangers
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- U.S. Marshals Service
The Jacksonville Police Department expressed gratitude to all partners for their assistance and emphasized the importance of collaboration and community support during the manhunt.
What’s Next in the Case
Dennis remains in Cherokee County Jail pending formal charges and court proceedings. Prosecutors are expected to pursue attempted capital murder charges, which could carry a life sentence if convicted.
Law enforcement officials say the successful arrest underscores their ongoing commitment to protecting officers and residents from violent offenders.
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