Armed Suspect at Large in Jacksonville After Officer Shot During Afternoon Confrontation

Jacksonville, Texas — An intense manhunt is underway across the city of Jacksonville after a police officer was critically injured in a shooting late Wednesday afternoon. The suspect, identified as Bobby Michael Dennis, remains on the run and is considered armed and extremely dangerous.

According to initial reports from local authorities, the incident unfolded around 4:41 p.m. near the intersection of Benson Memorial and Churchill’s 1100 block, a residential area in Jacksonville. Officers were responding to a call in the vicinity when Dennis allegedly opened fire, striking a Jacksonville Police Department officer.

The wounded officer — whose identity has not yet been released — was treated at the scene by first responders before being airlifted by helicopter to a Tyler-area hospital, as his injuries were too severe for treatment at the local medical center. Officials have declined to comment on his current condition, and it remains unclear whether he is conscious or undergoing surgery. That silence has deepened the concern and uncertainty for fellow officers and the Jacksonville community.

As the sun set Wednesday evening, the search for Dennis escalated dramatically. Witnesses last saw him wearing all black clothing, making it increasingly difficult for search teams to spot him as darkness fell. Law enforcement agencies swiftly locked down the area, urging residents to stay indoors, keep doors locked, and avoid answering the door for anyone other than identified police personnel.

The Texas Department of Public Safety, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Tyler Police Department, game wardens, and local fire crews have joined Jacksonville officers in a coordinated search effort. Roadblocks have been set up at key intersections, and officers are combing through neighborhoods, wooded areas, and abandoned buildings in hopes of locating the suspect.

Authorities have repeatedly used the mobile emergency alert system to keep residents informed, warning that Dennis remains dangerous and should not be approached under any circumstances. Officers have also been seen conducting door-to-door checks and using K-9 units to track potential scent trails. Helicopters circled overhead well into the night, equipped with infrared sensors to detect movement in dark or wooded areas.

Neighbors described a tense evening filled with sirens, flashing lights, and the constant hum of helicopters. Many said they had never seen such a large-scale police presence in their area. Families kept children away from windows and stayed huddled inside as officers moved through nearby yards.

As of the latest update, Bobby Michael Dennis remains at large. Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive or whether Dennis had prior encounters with law enforcement. Jacksonville Police and Cherokee County officials have urged the public to immediately report any suspicious activity or sightings to 911 and to avoid the search area entirely.

The injured officer’s family, meanwhile, continues to wait anxiously for updates. Local community members have begun gathering near the Jacksonville Police Department, bringing food, candles, and messages of support. The department has thanked the public for their prayers, emphasizing that every available resource is being deployed to bring Dennis into custody safely.

This remains a developing story. As Jacksonville stands on edge, officers continue their tireless search — determined to find the man responsible and ensure the safety of their community once again.