Ambush Suspect Arrested, Bond Set at $1.3 Million

Photo by CBS 19 from Video Footage

JACKSONVILLE, Texas — After a four-day manhunt spanning local, state, and federal agencies, Bobby Michael Dennis, 64, is now in custody and being held on a $1.3 million bond.

Dennis is accused of ambushing a Jacksonville police officer and her K-9 partner with an AR-15-style rifle on Sunday evening after the officer recognized him and knew he had active warrants.

TIMELINE OF THE AMBUSH

According to Jacksonville Police Chief Steven Markasky:

• The officer was patrolling the 1100 block of Churchill Street Sunday when she saw Dennis outside a residence.

• She called out, “Mr. Dennis, come here.”

• Dennis went behind the house and returned holding an AR-15.

• He opened fire.

• Rounds pierced the patrol unit, striking the officer’s K-9 partner, Renzo.

• The officer attempted to run toward a nearby residence for cover.

• She was shot in the arm, fell, and Dennis continued shooting.

• She was hit a second time while on the ground.

• Injured and bleeding, she ran into a wooded area and applied her own tourniquet with her remaining arm.

She survived. The K-9 survived.

Chief Markasky called it a “targeted, intentional attack.”

ARREST

On Wednesday evening, DPS helicopter infrared footage captured officers tracking Dennis in a wooded area.He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Cherokee County Jail.

DPS stated:

“When you threaten the lives of others — especially those sworn to protect — you will be found.”

BOND SET — $1.3 MILLION

Dennis appeared before Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Brenda Dominy Thursday morning.

Bond totals:

• $1,000,000 – Attempted Capital Murder of a Peace Officer

• $200,000 – Retaliation

• $100,000 – Interference with Police Service Animal

OFFICER & K-9 UPDATE

The officer underwent surgery and is in stable condition.

K-9 Renzo is recovering.