$5,000 Reward If You Know Where This Dangerous Man Is

Manhunt Underway in Abilene After Suspect Shoots Police Officer

Around 9:30 PM this past Tuesday night, I worked late and was going home, when enroute to the south side of town I encountered four Abilene Police cars and a Taylor County Sheriff's deputy car all headed in the opposite direction with their lights and sirens turn on. They were all going to help another officer who had a routine traffic stop that had escalated into a violent confrontation, leaving an Abilene police officer injured and a dangerous suspect at large.

Traffic Stop Turns Violent

Okay, here's what I learned what happened, at approximately 9:30 p.m., officers attempted to pull over a motorcycle on Abilene's north side. The driver, identified as 39-year-old James Wesley Key, abruptly halted the motorcycle and fled on foot toward a residence in the 1700 block of Roosevelt Street. His passenger, an unidentified female cousin, remained at the scene and informed officers that Key was attempting to open a gate to the house. As officers pursued, allegedly Key opened fire, injuring one officer. The wounded officer was transported to Hendrick Hospital, treated for minor injuries, and later released.

Massive Search Effort

Following the shooting, a substantial law enforcement presence converged on the area. Units from the Abilene Police Department (APD), Taylor County Sheriff's Office, and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted an extensive search, utilizing drones and a Department of Public Safety helicopter. Despite these efforts, Key managed to evade capture, possibly escaping through overgrown fields behind his cousin's property.

Get our free mobile app

Suspect Considered Armed and Dangerous

James Wesley Key is described as a 39-year-old male and is believed to be carrying a firearm. Authorities warn that he should be considered armed and dangerous. The APD urges anyone with information on Key's whereabouts to contact them at 325-673-8331 or dial 911. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Abilene Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. They can be reached at 325-676-8477 (TIPS).

Community on Edge

The incident has left the Abilene community shaken. Residents reported a heavy police presence and expressed concerns about safety. The APD has assured the public that they are doing everything possible to apprehend Key and have increased patrols in the area.

Call to Action

Authorities emphasize the importance of community involvement in situations like this. They urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. As the APD's Crime Stoppers motto states, "If you know something, say something."

This incident marks the latest in a series of violent confrontations involving law enforcement in Abilene this year, highlighting ongoing concerns about public safety and the challenges faced by officers in the line of duty.
Source: The Abilene Police Department / Yahoo News