The decision will now be handed over to the Silsbee City Manager DeeAnn Zimmerman.
FREDERICKSBURG, Texas — After more than an hour behind closed doors Monday night, the Silsbee City Council took no action regarding the future of Police Chief James Shawn Blackwell, who was arrested last week for public intoxication while visiting the Texas Hill Country.
The council’s decision now places responsibility for determining Blackwell’s employment status in the hands of Silsbee City Manager DeeAnn Zimmerman.
“There’s negative and then there’s positive, um. He’s been with us for a long time. Uh, we have to take that in consideration as well,” Zimmerman said. “He’s done a very good job for the city, but we also understand that, uh, actions are necessary at times when warranted.” Zimmerman told 12News she hopes to make a decision within the next week.
Blackwell, who has served with the Silsbee Police Department for 23 years and was appointed chief in June 2019, was arrested in Fredericksburg on Monday, June 23, 2025. According to jail records, he was booked into the Gillespie County Jail and released by 11 a.m. the same day after posting a $500 cash bond. He has not responded to requests for comment.
The council called Monday’s special meeting specifically to address the incident, which occurred while Blackwell was on vacation. After discussing the situation in open session, the council entered a closed executive session to deliberate personnel matters and consult with the city attorney, as allowed under Texas Government Code.
City council members emphasized the importance of waiting for all the facts before making any judgments.
“I do not want to jump to conclusions, so I’m going to wait until I see the police report and find out all the circumstances surrounding the incident before I make an initial assumption or statement,” said at-large council member Curt Woodard.
At-large council member Tina Holman shared a similar view, stating, “I want to hear from him first before I say anything.”
District C Councilmember Paul Davis acknowledged being upset by negative comments circulating about Blackwell’s arrest but stressed patience and fact-finding. “Once we get all the facts, we will see if any action needs to be taken, or the city manager will handle it, and if she needs any assistance from the council, then I’m there as a councilman,” Davis said.
Davis also expressed some sympathy for the chief, saying, “His reputation is already ruined because of the arrest, but no one should be throwing stones until more information is known.”
Public intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor in Texas. The incident may be further discussed during the regularly scheduled city council meeting on July 7, 2025.
This is a developing story. 12News will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.