New Month, New Manhunt

HCSO Requests Public’s Help in Locating Fugitive

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

HOUSTON COUNTY – Last month, Bobby Eugene Wood escaped from custody and a five-day manhunt ensued before he was captured.

Monday marked the start of a new month and also the start of a new manhunt for 37-year-old man identified as John Paul Kennedy. Kennedy is wanted for a parole violation of criminally negligent homicide and felonious possession of a firearm.

According to information received from Houston County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Gary G.P. Shearer, shortly before 10 a.m. on Oct 1, “… a passerby observed a vehicle in the woods off County Road 1050 (eastern Houston County).”

When the person went to check on the vehicle, a white male was discovered sleeping in the vehicle.  They went to check on the vehicle and occupants and discovered a white male sleeping inside the vehicle.

“They inquired about the occupant’s name and he replied ‘John’.    Not having any cell service, they backed away from the vehicle as they were attempting to call the sheriff’s Office and that’s when the occupant grabbed a backpack and ran off into the woods,” the press release stated.

The suspect is described as a white male with a thin build and is approximately six feet tall. He was last seen wearing black, cargo type pants and a “woodland” camo shirt.

HCSO Mike McCreight responded to the location and when he checked the vehicle, he discovered it was stolen. Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) tracking teams were notified and began to track Kennedy.

“Throughout the day and late evening deputies and TDCJ personnel saturated the area. Heavy rains caused the tracking teams to lose scent, but stayed in the area. From the information gathered and identification by the passerby we firmly believe that the suspect is John Paul Kennedy, date of birth Aug. 28, 1981,” Shearer indicated in the media statement.

Deputies and Investigators are still searching for Kennedy and urge you to call the sheriff’s office at 936-544-2862 with information leading to the whereabouts and apprehension of this person.

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