Bobby Michael Dennis, 64, faces charges of attempted capital murder and obstruction after allegedly shooting a Jacksonville officer. His trial is set for Jan. 19.
RUSK, Texas — A judge on Friday set a trial date for a man accused of shooting a Jacksonville police officer last fall.
Bobby Michael Dennis, 64, is charged with attempted capital murder of a peace officer and two counts of obstruction or retaliation in connection with allegedly shooting Jacksonville police officer Elyse Hand while she was attempting to serve a warrant on the night of Nov. 2.
This story continues below.
On Friday during his arraignment, Dennis had his charges read to him, and his attorney pleaded not guilty for his behalf.
The hearing was held over Zoom while Dennis was in the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the judge read the charges. Court officials said Dennis had to be muted on the Zoom because he kept talking loudly.
Jury selection for his trial is set for Jan. 19 and the final pre-trial will be Jan. 4, according to the court.
On Wednesday, Dennis’ lawyer Stephen Shires said Dennis considers himself to be a sovereign citizen, meaning he believes he is not subject to the authority of the government and because of that, he is difficult to communicate with.
Police say he used an AR-15-style rifle to shoot Hand twice. He was arrested on Nov. 5 after being found in a bunker. According to the FBI, officers found four additional firearms at Dennis’ home and another firearm was found in the “bunker.”