Child Safely Recovered; Suspect Arrested In Jacksonville Burglary, Kidnapping Case

JACKSONVILLE, Texas (TXAN 24) — A one-year-old child was safely recovered Tuesday afternoon after a burglary and kidnapping incident prompted a large-scale police response in Jacksonville.

According to the Jacksonville Police Department, officers were called around 1:01 p.m. on April 22, 2026, to a welfare concern in the 800 block of Myrtle Drive. Investigators determined that 42-year-old Brian Damon Black of Jacksonville unlawfully entered a residence and took a one-year-old child before fleeing the scene.

The call originated after a witness reported seeing a suspect carrying a child into a nearby wooded area, triggering an immediate search effort involving multiple officers and coordinated ground sweeps of the surrounding terrain.

At approximately 2:52 p.m., officers located the child unharmed and safely reunited the infant with their mother. Police confirmed the child showed no visible injuries at the time of recovery.

Search efforts continued for the suspect, who was later located in a wooded area in the 1000 block of Skyline. Authorities say Black attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after a brief pursuit.

Black has been charged with Burglary of a Habitation, Kidnapping, and Evading Arrest or Detention. Officials say the investigation remains active and ongoing, with no additional details being released at this time.

Jacksonville Police Department Corporal Amanda Bragg is serving as the point of contact for the case.