A significant police manhunt is currently underway in the Texas Panhandle, following an alarming incident involving the shooting of a small-town police chief, Rex Plant, in Memphis, Texas. The altercation occurred when police officers attempted to serve an arrest warrant for Seth Altman, a local resident. Heightened concerns surrounding the situation prompted the Texas Department of Public Safety to issue a statewide “Blue Alert,” urging the public to assist in locating Altman, who is accused of attempted capital murder against the police chief.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting unfolded early on a Friday morning when Chief Plant, accompanied by an officer, approached the Memphis Housing Authority apartment to enforce an arrest warrant against Altman, who was wanted for an alleged burglary. As they approached, Altman reportedly exited the building and opened fire with a handgun, hitting Chief Plant multiple times before fleeing the scene. This escalation of violence has raised alarms not just within Memphis but throughout the surrounding areas.
Following the incident, Chief Plant was airlifted to a hospital in Lubbock for urgent treatment. Reports indicate that despite suffering gunshot wounds, he is currently in stable condition, which offers some relief amid the broader community unrest stemming from the shooting. Meanwhile, Altman’s charges have escalated from a burglary accusation to attempted capital murder of a peace officer, highlighting the severity of his actions and the threat he poses to public safety.
Authorities have described Seth Altman as a white male, standing about 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 220 pounds, with distinctive blue eyes and red or auburn hair. His last known appearance was around 11 p.m. on Thursday night in the 200 block of South Fourth Street, where he was dressed in a blue T-shirt and blue jeans. The urgency of the situation is compounded by the characterization of Altman as “armed and dangerous,” leading police to advise the public against approaching him and instead to contact authorities immediately if he is spotted.
The investigation surrounding the shooting is currently being led by the Texas Rangers, underlining the seriousness of the situation and the need for a thorough examination of events leading up to the shooting. As the manhunt continues, there is a palpable sense of urgency among law enforcement to apprehend Altman as quickly as possible, both to ensure the safety of the community and to facilitate justice for Chief Plant, whose bravery in the line of duty has put him in harm’s way.
In the wake of this tragic event, it’s crucial for the community to remain vigilant and responsive. As law enforcement agencies rally together to locate Altman, collaboration between citizens and police can play a pivotal role in addressing the threat he poses. The support for Chief Plant and his recovery is also a communal effort, as the Memphis community grapples with the emotional and psychological ramifications of such a violent occurrence. The commitment to justice, safety, and healing will be central themes as the manhunt unfolds and the community stands together against crime and violence.