Trial date set for man accused of shooting Jacksonville officer, K-9

RUSK, Texas (KLTV) - A trial date has been set for a Cherokee County man accused of shooting a Jacksonville police officer and her K-9 in 2025. [KTRE]

A Cherokee County man charged in the shooting of a Jacksonville police officer and her police dog will stand trial beginning Jan. 19, a judge ruled Friday following a courthouse hearing marked by the defendant's disruptive behavior.

Bobby Dennis, 64, faces attempted capital murder charges along with two counts of retaliation stemming from a November 2025 incident involving Officer Elyse Hand and her K-9 partner Renzo. Dennis participated in the arraignment hearing remotely via video conference in Judge Chris Day's courtroom, appearing days after being declared mentally competent to face trial following psychiatric evaluations.

The defendant's conduct during Friday's proceeding drew attention when he became uncooperative with the judge's directives, at one point shouting despite having his audio disabled. Dennis' legal counsel submitted a not guilty plea in the defendant's stead during the hearing.

The incident that led to the charges occurred when Hand, a Jacksonville police officer, and her canine unit came under gunfire in what authorities characterized as an intentional and focused attack. The officer was struck multiple times by rifle fire during the confrontation. Dennis was later apprehended after authorities located him concealed in wooded terrain.

A federal charge was filed separately against Dennis in connection with the shooting, and he has been held on a $1.3 million bond. The case drew statewide attention, prompting Gov. Greg Abbott to offer a $10,000 reward for information related to the incident. Officer Hand recovered from her injuries and was later recognized with a Hometown Hero Award from the U.S. Attorney's Office.