A Blue Alert was issued by Texas authorities at approximately 4:50 a.m. on Friday, prompting a statewide search for Seth Altman, a 33-year-old man suspected of injuring a law enforcement officer. Altman was last seen in Memphis, Texas, which is situated about 80 miles south of Amarillo. He is wanted for his involvement in the serious injury of a law enforcement officer.
Seth Altman is described as a white male, around 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing about 220 pounds. He has blue eyes and red or auburn hair, and was last spotted wearing a blue T-shirt and blue jeans in the 200 block of South Fourth Street in Memphis around 11 p.m. on Thursday. Authorities consider him to be armed and dangerous and advise that anyone who sees him should call 911 instead of approaching him.
Reports indicate that Altman allegedly shot a police officer on Thursday night, who was then flown to the hospital. The condition of the officer has not been disclosed.
Hall County, Texas, where the search is taking place, is located in the southeastern part of the Panhandle and has a population of approximately 2,825, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Blue Alert program in Texas is meant for situations involving suspects who are believed to have killed or seriously injured law enforcement officers. Established in 2008, it allows for rapid public notification when a suspect is considered a threat to officers and the public. The criteria for issuing a Blue Alert include the serious injury or death of an officer, a belief that the suspect poses an ongoing risk, a description of the suspect’s vehicle, and a recommendation from the investigating agency.
In the wake of the alert, many Texans expressed their frustration on social media regarding the emergency notification.
This report has been updated to include additional information.