Manhunt Continues for Wood

Fugitive Eludes Capture for Third Day

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

HOUSTON COUNTY – Bobby Eugene Wood, 55, is still on the loose after nighttime operations on Sept. 5 and 6 did not result in his capture.

According to Houston County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Gary Shearer, “Houston County deputies with assistance from: Houston County Constable(s);Department of Public Safety Aviation, Rangers, and Troopers; Crockett Police; Trinity County Sheriff’s Office; Trinity County Constables; Groveton Police; Walker County Sheriff’s Office; Texas Department of Criminal Justice K9’s,Equine, and Office of Inspector General; US Marshals-Southern District; Gulf Coast Violent Offender and Fugitive Task Force; and the Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force have completed an extensive search from Crockett south to the Trinity River. The search netted negative results.”

Shearer stated the focus has now shifted to areas “… outside Houston County, including Walker and Montgomery Counties.”

The Texas Rangers and US Marshals Service will continue to assist in locating and apprehending Wood who escaped from the Houston County Jail on Monday, Sept. 3.

From the Conroe area,Wood was being held in the jail on charges of engaging in organized crime, in regard to string of East Texas burglaries during the fall of 2017. Despite the rumors concerning his background, Shearer said Wood’s previous convictions were nearly all burglary related.

Wood was on parole when he was apprehended for his role in the burglaries. On Wednesday, the chief deputy said Wood faced the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars if he was convicted of the latest charges. His escape will only add more time to his incarceration once he is caught, Shearer said.

“All of our focus and resources have been placed on locating Wood. Now we will be reviewing how this escape was facilitated. What we did wrong and where we can make positive changes to better our odds of this not happening again,” he said.

“We are so thankful to our community,” Shearer continued. “They came out to support our search efforts by bringing water, Gatorade, snacks, and even offering to cook and bring meals. Your support has truly been amazing.”

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].