A manhunt has been initiated 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 just after 11 p.m. Thursday when Chief Plant and another officer were executing an arrest warrant for burglary. Altman is reported to have fired shots at Chief Plant before fleeing the scene. The chief was subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Lubbock, where he is currently in stable condition.
A Blue Alert has been issued, and an arrest warrant for Attempted Capital Murder has been filed against Altman. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt and jeans, and authorities advise that anyone who encounters him should not approach but instead call 911.
Memphis, located in the southeastern Texas Panhandle, is approximately 130 miles northeast of Lubbock and has a population of around 2,000.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to Altman’s arrest and capture, stating that law enforcement officers deserve the full support of the state. He encouraged anyone with information to reach out via the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit an anonymous tip online.
Chief Plant was shot while serving an arrest warrant for burglary of a habitation. After the shooting, he was airlifted to the hospital for medical attention.
Seth Altman is described as a white male, about 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 220 pounds, with blue eyes and red or auburn hair. He is considered armed and dangerous.
To be eligible for a reward, individuals can provide information through the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477), submit a tip on the Texas 10 Most Wanted website, or submit an online tip. All tips remain anonymous, and callers’ identities are protected by law.
Additionally, the FBI Dallas Field Office is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to Altman’s arrest. The FBI is collaborating with the Memphis Police Department in their efforts to locate Altman, who was last seen shortly after 11 p.m. on October 3, 2024. The public can submit tips to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.