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Blue Alert issued in search for suspect after Rhome police officer shot in leg, Wise County sheriff says

People living near Highway 287 and FM 407 should keep their doors locked, Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin said.

WISE COUNTY, Texas — Updated at 6:10 a.m. Monday after state officials issued a Blue Alert.

A Rhome police officer is expected to be OK after they were shot during a traffic stop in New Fairview Sunday night, Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin said. State officials have issued a Blue Alert as authorities search for the man they believe shot the officer.

The suspected shooter, identified by police as 43-year-old Royce Wood, was a suspect in an earlier home invasion robbery in the area on Saturday, according to Akin. 

Sheriff's deputies and Rhome officers tried to intercept Wood in the area he was last spotted in near Highway 287 after getting a tip Sunday Wood was back in the area driving a motorcycle with a woman.

Rhome police found Wood first and initiated a traffic stop. Wood got off the bike and started running. Police chased after him on foot, and Wood fired back at the officers, shooting one of them in the lower leg, Akin said. 

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He then ran off into the bush. Rhome police and Wise County Sheriff's deputies are still looking for him, Akin said.

Wood is about 200 pounds and 6 feet tall and has green eyes. He is also bald with a full brown beard. He was last seen wearing a baseball cap with a camo bandana wrapped around it, according to police, along with a pair of sunglasses, a vest, a green shirt and pair of shorts.  

Credit: Wise County Sheriff

The sheriff added the woman is in custody, and the Rhome officer is doing well.

"We're exceedingly fortunate. We're very happy that the officer's doing well. We feel pretty good about his condition," Akin said. 

He also advised folks living near Highway 287 and FM 407 to keep their doors locked.

Texas Municipal Police Association regional attorney Lance Wyatt is responding to the shooting, according to a tweet from the TMPA.

Lake Worth Police Chief J.T. Manoushagian tweeted Sunday night he is praying for the officer.

"Praying for the injured officer, his family, and Rhome PD. I’ve known this man for nearly 20 years and over that time we’ve shared a lot of meals and laughs together. May recovery and justice come quickly and without further violence," he wrote.

Anyone with any information about the incident or Wood's whereabouts is asked to contact the Wise County Sheriff's Office at 940-627-5971. 

This is a developing story. Download our free WFAA app to stay up-to-date on all news stories in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 

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