CHEROKEE COUNTY, Texas — A four-day manhunt for the man accused of shooting a Jacksonville police officer and her K-9 partner ended with the arrest of 64-year-old Bobby Michael Dennis, who surrendered to authorities in the Cuney area, KLTV reported.
Jacksonville Police Chief Steven Markasky said Dennis was taken into custody without incident after being found hiding in a wooded area on Nov. 5. Multiple law enforcement agencies and a SWAT team assisted in serving a search warrant at the property.
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Dennis was handcuffed using the injured officer’s own restraints and booked into the Cherokee County Jail. He faces charges of attempted capital murder of a police officer, interference with a police service animal and two counts of obstruction or retaliation.
Shooting incident details
The confrontation began when a Jacksonville police officer on patrol spotted Dennis, who had outstanding warrants, outside his home. When she approached and addressed him by name, Dennis retreated behind the house and emerged with a rifle, according to Chief Markasky.
As the officer attempted to take cover behind her patrol vehicle, Dennis opened fire. Multiple rounds struck the vehicle, hitting her K-9 partner, Renzo, who had not been deployed.
The officer then attempted to retreat to a nearby home but was struck in the arm, according to the report. Despite being wounded, she managed to keep moving under fire, reaching a wooded area before being shot again, this time in the leg. Even then, she continued to flee deeper into the woods until backup units arrived and Dennis fled the scene.
Chief Markasky praised the officer’s actions during the ordeal.
“Her bravery and will to survive under gunfire represent the very best of what it means to wear this badge,” he said.
At no point did the officer draw or fire her weapon, as her right arm was rendered unusable early in the attack.
Officer and K-9 recovering
Responding officers located the wounded officer and began emergency medical aid. She had already attempted to apply a tourniquet to herself. She was airlifted to a Tyler hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery and is now in stable condition.
K-9 Renzo remains under veterinary care at an emergency animal clinic in Tyler.
Public safety response
In the days following the shooting, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to Dennis’ capture. He was also added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list.
Dennis’ arrest brings an end to a tense manhunt that mobilized multiple agencies across East Texas. His court appearance and bond status have not yet been announced.
