If your smartphone went off early Friday morning, you have Seth Altman and Hall County to blame. Texas authorities issued a Blue Alert about 4:50 a.m. Friday, launching a statewide search for a man suspected of shooting Rex Plant, the police chief in the Panhandle town of Memphis, about 80 miles southeast of Amarillo. The Texas Department of Public Safety stated that Altman, 33, is "wanted for involvement in the killing or serious injury of a law enforcement officer."
Altman is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet, 2 inches tall and 220 pounds. He has blue eyes and red or auburn hair. He was last seen in the 200 block of South Fourth Street in Memphis about 11 p.m. Thursday, wearing a blue T-shirt and blue jeans. He is considered to be armed and dangerous. Anyone who spots him should call 911 and not approach him, officials said.
Altman is believed to have shot Plant on Thursday night, according to reports. The police chief was shot multiple times and was flown to a hospital. His condition is unknown.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect in the shooting of Plant. The DPS has placed Altman on its list of the 10 most wanted fugitives. "Texas is first and foremost a law-and-order state," Abbott said in a press release. "Law enforcement officers selflessly put their lives on the line each day they put on their badge, and they deserve to know that they have the full support of the State of Texas. I encourage anyone with information relating to this crime to call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit an anonymous tip online to help law enforcement bring this dangerous criminal to justice. Cecilia and I are praying for the swift recovery of Chief Rex Plant and for his loved ones during this difficult time."
Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Stoppers at 800-252-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip through the Texas 10 Most Wanted website or online at p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=650.
Texas Blue Alert
A Blue Alert is issued for people who are suspected of killing or seriously wounding local, state or federal law enforcement officers, according to the DPS. The Blue Alert program was created in 2008 and is designed to ensure that suspects are quickly apprehended. These criteria must be met before a Blue Alert can be issued under a person's name, according to the DPS:
- The suspect must be wanted for the killing or serious injury of a law enforcement officer.
- The suspect must be considered armed and dangerous.
- The suspect must be at large and there must be a credible threat to the public.
- The suspect must be believed to be in the state of Texas or traveling through the state.
Reactions to the Blue Alert
Many Texans were irate about the Blue Alert early this morning and took to social media to let it be known. Here are some reactions via X.
Hunt for the Suspect
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including Texas Rangers, are looking for 33-year-old Seth Altman. Just after 11 p.m. Thursday, investigators say Plant and another officer were serving an arrest warrant for burglary when Altman opened fire and ran away. Investigators report Altman ran out the back door, shot Chief Plant and fled the scene. Chief Plant was transported to a hospital here in Lubbock, where he is stable.
A Blue Alert has been issued, along with an arrest warrant for Attempted Capital Murder. Altman was last seen wearing a blue shirt and jeans. Law enforcement says anyone who comes into contact with Altman should not approach him and call 911.
Memphis is roughly 130 miles northeast of Lubbock, in northern Hall County. It has a population of about 2,000 people.
Rewards Offered
Gov. Greg Abbott released the following statement, offering a $10,000 reward: "Texas is first and foremost a law-and-order state," said Governor Abbott. "Law enforcement officers selflessly put their lives on the line each day they put on their badge, and they deserve to know that they have the full support of the State of Texas. I encourage anyone with information relating to this crime to call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit an anonymous tip online to help law enforcement bring this dangerous criminal to justice. Cecilia and I are praying for the swift recovery of Chief Rex Plant and for his loved ones during this difficult time."
The FBI Dallas Field Office is also offering a cash reward: The FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of Seth Michael Altman. The FBI’s Dallas Field Office is assisting the Memphis, Texas Police Department with their search for Seth Michael Altman. Altman is wanted for allegedly shooting a law enforcement officer in Memphis, Texas, on October 3, 2024. He was last seen at 11:04 p.m., on October 3, 2024, in the 200 block of South 4th Street in Memphis, Texas. He should be considered armed and dangerous.
The public can submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov or can call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
More Than Just a Blue Alert: A Community’s Response
The incident has sent shockwaves through the small community of Memphis, Texas, with residents expressing concern and offering support for the wounded officer. The Memphis Texas Chamber posted a photo of the police chief, asking the community to keep him in their prayers along with other officers. "Prayers for the people involved and their family," the post said.
Who is Seth Altman?
The 33-year-old has gained statewide attention after a Blue Alert was sent out statewide early Friday morning. Altman is wanted for shooting Memphis Police Chief Rex Plant late Thursday night while officers were delivering a warrant to Altman for a burglary charge. An arrest warrant for attempted capital murder of a peace officer has been issued for Altman.
He also has prior charges including assault causes bodily injury family member, assault causes bodily injury, burglary of vehicles, evading arrest and criminal trespass.
Altman is a 6′2″ white male weighing around 220 pounds. He has brown or auburn hair and blue eyes. He is also known to wear glasses. Altman also has ties to or may visit Childress. He is considered armed and dangerous. If you see Altman, do not approach him and call 9-1-1.
What is a Blue Alert?
A Blue Alert is a system designed to help quickly apprehend suspects who have killed or seriously injured law enforcement officers. Similar to Amber Alerts for missing children, it is used to disseminate information about the suspect to the public, including their description, vehicle information, and other relevant details. Blue Alerts can be issued at the request of a local law enforcement agency when the suspect is considered a risk to public safety.
Conclusion: A Statewide Manhunt Continues
As the search for Seth Altman continues, Texas authorities are urging the public to be vigilant and to contact law enforcement immediately if they have any information about his whereabouts. The shooting of Chief Plant has underscored the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day, highlighting the importance of community support and cooperation in bringing criminals to justice. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available.
