BLUE alert issued for suspect in Jacksonville police officer shooting

UPDATE: Jacksonville ISD announced that all schools will be closed Monday due to an ongoing police manhunt. District officials said they’ve been in constant communication with local law enforcement after last night’s police incident, and several areas near JISD facilities remain inaccessible, affecting bus routes and travel safety.

The Jacksonville Police Department is continuing to search for the suspect, identified as Bobby Michael Dennis, and is asking the public for any information on his location. A Crime Stoppers reward is being offered for information leading to his capture.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jacksonville Police Department at 903-586-3333 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.

Jacksonville PD warned the public on Monday that anyone who helps Dennis will be arrested and charged with hindering apprehension.

“If you give this fugitive a ride, a room, a phone, money, or a heads-up about police activity, you are committing a felony,” Corporal Amanda Bragg with Jacksonville Police Department said. “Do not throw away your freedom for someone who chose violence. The safest and only lawful choice is to call us immediately.”

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JACKSONVILLE, Texas (KETK) – The Jacksonville Police Department is currently searching for a man who allegedly shot one of their officers while they were on duty Sunday.

According to the department, a Jacksonville PD officer was shot during an encounter with 64-year-old Bobby Michael Dennis at around 4:41 p.m. on Sunday. Dennis is described as a Black man who was last seen wearing all black clothing.

The officer has been flown for treatment at a local hospital and is currently in stable condition, according to a press release.

The Kilgore Police Department said that a Jacksonville PD K9 was also injured on Sunday and is currently in stable condition while being treated at a local emergency vet.

Jacksonville PD warned residents of Benson Memorial and the 1100 block of Churchill Street to stay inside with their doors locked because Dennis is armed with a rifle and considered dangerous.

The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a BLUE alert for Dennis on Sunday night. According to the BLUE alert, Dennis was last seen in the 920 block of Benson Street at around 4:40 p.m. on Sunday night. The alert described Dennis as a Black man who weighs around 152 pounds and is around 5’9″.

A gray 2000 GMC Sierra truck with the Texas license plate number TRW3919, was listed as a vehicle of interest in the BLUE alert for Dennis. Anyone who sees Dennis or the truck is asked to call 911 immediately.

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