A Rhome police officer was shot while trying to apprehend a home invasion robbery suspect Sunday near New Fairview, prompting a massive manhunt for the shooter who remains at large early Monday morning.
Royce Wood. Photo courtesy of the Wise County Sheriff’s Department.
The Wise County Sheriff’s Office identified Royce Wood as the shooting suspect. Wood is approximately 6-feet tall and 200 pounds. Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin said Wood is from the Azle area.
Wood, a suspect in a Saturday home invasion robbery, was spotted riding a motorcycle around a neighborhood near U.S. 81/287 and Farm Road 407 in New Fairview Sunday evening, and police were tipped off to his location, Akin said. A Rhome PD unit was the first to locate Wood, who was traveling on a motorcycle with a female passenger at around 8 p.m.
After the officers attempted to pull the motorcycle over, Akin said Wood stopped, then fled on foot and fired several rounds at the Rhome police officers.
“He turned and fired some rounds and hit one of the Rhome officers in the lower leg,” Akin said. “…A Rhome officer returned fire, but there’s no indication that he was struck.”
Wood’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Akin said the officer was shot in the lower leg. He expects the officer to be OK. A Rhome officer fastened a tourniquet on the gunshot wound as the suspect fled on foot. The officer was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth.
“We think the officer is going to be just fine,” Akin said. “…He’s in good spirits and alert.”
As of 1 a.m. Monday, the multi-departmental search continues, with K-9 units, multiple helicopters and a massive police presence forming a perimeter that illuminated roadways in south Wise County between U.S. 81/287 and FM 407 with flashing blue and red lights.
Akin said Wood is still believed to be armed, and cautioned nearby residents to make sure their doors are locked until the suspect is apprehended.
A police perimeter was set up in the area of FM 407 and FM 2264. Akin said the perimeter has been expanded as the search continues. Police have used technology, such as heat sensors, and attempted to track Wood’s cell phone during the search.
“It’s difficult when you commence a manhunt in the darkness,” Akin said. “Luckily, the areas we’re searching, there aren’t a lot of hazards. We’re trying to, hopefully, keep him contained so we can pick him up.”
“We’re just trying to find this guy before the night is over,” Akin said.
Loading Comments