A manhunt is currently in progress for the suspect involved in the shooting of Memphis, Texas Police Chief Rex Plant. Law enforcement agencies, including the Texas Rangers, are actively searching for 33-year-old Seth Altman.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Thursday when Chief Plant and another officer were serving an arrest warrant for burglary. According to investigators, Altman opened fire and escaped the scene, shooting Chief Plant before fleeing through the back door. Chief Plant was transported to a hospital in Lubbock and is reported to be in stable condition.
A Blue Alert has been issued for Altman, along with an arrest warrant on charges of Attempted Capital Murder. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt and jeans. Authorities advise that anyone who encounters Altman should not approach him and should instead call 911.
Memphis, Texas, is located in the southeastern part of the Texas Panhandle, approximately 130 miles northeast of Lubbock, with a population of around 2,000 residents.
Governor Greg Abbott announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to Altman’s arrest. In his statement, he emphasized Texas’s commitment to law enforcement officers and urged anyone with knowledge about the case to provide tips through the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or online.
Last night, while attempting to execute the burglary warrant, the suspect allegedly pulled a handgun and shot Chief Plant before fleeing on foot. The Chief was later airlifted to a hospital in Lubbock.
Seth Altman is described as a white male, roughly 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing around 220 pounds, with blue eyes and red or auburn hair. He is to be considered armed and dangerous.
To qualify for cash rewards, individuals can provide tips via the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477), through the Texas 10 Most Wanted website, or online. All tips remain anonymous, and anonymity is legally protected.
Additionally, the FBI’s Dallas Field Office is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to Altman’s arrest and is assisting local authorities in their search. Last seen on October 3, Altman should be considered armed and dangerous. Public tips can be submitted either online at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.