LUBBOCK, Texas (Telemundo Lubbock) – A search is underway for the suspect in the shooting of Memphis, Texas Police Chief Rex Plant.
Several law enforcement authorities, including the Texas Rangers, are searching for 33-year-old Seth Altman.
Just after 11 p.m. Thursday, investigators say Plant and another officer were serving an arrest warrant for robbery when Altman opened fire and fled.
Investigators report that Altman ran out the back door, shot Chief Plant and fled the scene. Chief Plant was taken to a Lubbock hospital, where he is in stable condition.
A Blue Alert has been issued, along with an arrest warrant for Attempted Capital Murder.
Photos by Seth Altman
Altman was last seen wearing a blue shirt and jeans. Police say anyone who comes into contact with Altman should not approach him and call 911.
Memphis is located about 80 miles northeast of Lubbock in northern Hall County. It has a population of around 2,000 people.
Governor Greg Abbott issued the following statement, offering a $10,000 reward:
Governor Greg Abbott announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and capture of the criminal involved in the shooting of Memphis Police Chief Rex Plant. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added the suspect to its list of the 10 most wanted fugitives.
“Texas is, first and foremost, a state of law and order,” said Governor Abbott. “Law enforcement officers selflessly put their lives on the line every day they don the badge, and they deserve to know they have the full support of the State of Texas. I encourage anyone with information related 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 pray for the speedy recovery of Chief Rex Plant and his loved ones during these difficult times.”
Last night, Chief Rex Plant and another officer were serving a warrant for burglary when the suspect pulled out a gun, fired several shots, and wounded the Chief. The suspect then fled the scene on foot. The chief was taken by helicopter to a Lubbock hospital.
The suspect, Seth Altman, 33, is described as a white male, approximately 1.90 meters tall and weighing 80 kilos. He has blue eyes and red or brown hair. The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters must provide information using one of the following methods:
call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
Submit an online ad through the Texas 10 Most Wanted website
Submit a tip online.
All reports are anonymous, regardless of how they are submitted, and complainants will be provided with a report number rather than using a name. The law guarantees the anonymity of callers. Fugitives should be considered armed and dangerous. Texans should never attempt to apprehend a fugitive on their own.
The FBI Dallas 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 Dallas FBI Office is assisting the Memphis, Texas Police Department in its 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 call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
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