Texas Blue Alert: Understanding Emergency Notification and Ongoing Manhunt

 

What is a Blue Alert?

On October 4, at approximately 4:50 a.m., Texans received an emergency notification on their phones - a Blue Alert. These alerts are activated when authorities are searching for someone involved in the serious injury or killing of a law enforcement officer.

The Incident in Memphis, Texas

Suspect Details

• Name: Seth Altman, 33 years old
• Description: White male, 6'2", 220 lbs, red hair, blue eyes
• Last Seen: Thursday, 11 p.m., 200 block of S. 4th St., Memphis, TX
• Clothing: Blue T-shirt and blue jeans
• Direction: Heading toward U.S. Highway 287 on foot

Incident Overview

• Victim: Memphis Police Chief Rex Plant
• Location: Memphis, TX (Panhandle region, 85 miles SE of Amarillo, 250 miles NW of Fort Worth)
• Charges: Attempted capital murder

Timeline of Events

1. Chief Plant and another officer attempted to arrest Altman for a burglary case at Memphis Housing Authority
2. Altman exited through the back door, shot Chief Plant multiple times, and fled
3. Chief Plant was airlifted to University Medical Center in Lubbock, reported in stable condition
4. Blue Alert issued Friday morning at 4:50 a.m.

Criteria for Issuing a Blue Alert

The Texas Department of Public Safety uses the following criteria:

1. A law enforcement officer is killed or seriously injured by a wanted suspect
2. The investigating agency determines the offender poses a serious risk to the public and other law enforcement personnel
3. If the suspect is in a vehicle, a detailed description must be available for broadcast

Public Safety and Assistance

• Warning: Local residents are advised not to approach Altman if spotted
• Emergency Contact: Call 911 immediately if you see the suspect
• Information Hotline: Contact Hall County Sheriff's Office at 806-259-2636 with any relevant information