Blue Alert: Man Wanted for Shooting Texas Police Officer Arrested in Fort Worth

Texas: Seth Altman, a 33-year-old man accused of shooting Memphis Police Chief Rex Plant earlier this month, was arrested in Fort Worth.

Suspect Apprehended in Fort Worth

Altman was apprehended near 1300 E. Lancaster Ave around 5 p.m. on Friday and was booked into the Fort Worth Jail, facing charges of attempted capital murder of a police officer. The Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) credited their joint effort with multiple law enforcement agencies for the swift arrest. “The arrest was made without incident, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the FWPD and additional law enforcement agencies,” FWPD shared in a statement via X. After processing at the Fort Worth Jail, Altman was transferred to the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, where he remains in custody.

Incident in Hall County and Blue Alert Issued

The charges against Altman stem from a violent encounter on October 3 in Hall County, Texas, just southeast of Amarillo. Chief Plant and another officer attempted to arrest Altman on a burglary charge around 11 p.m. when the suspect allegedly opened fire, shooting Plant before fleeing the scene on foot. The Texas Department of Public Safety promptly issued a Blue Alert, a public notification reserved for incidents involving serious injuries to law enforcement officers, warning the public that Altman was armed and dangerous. Chief Plant was airlifted to a hospital in Lubbock, where he received emergency care. Meanwhile, Altman’s status as a fugitive put him on Texas’ Most Wanted Fugitives List, intensifying the search.

Ongoing Commitment to Public Safety

The arrest and the coordinated search operation underscore Texas law enforcement’s commitment to community safety. The FWPD emphasized its dedication to capturing fugitives who pose a risk to public security, stating, “This successful operation underscores the commitment of Texas law enforcement to pursue and apprehend fugitives who pose a threat to public safety. The Fort Worth Police Department remains dedicated to ensuring community safety and will continue to collaborate with state and local partners to deliver justice.”

While the Blue Alert was discontinued on October 17, the search remained active, involving various state and local agencies determined to bring Altman into custody. Altman’s apprehension not only marks a critical step toward justice for Chief Plant but also showcases the ongoing collaboration among Texas law enforcement to address incidents of violent crime promptly and effectively.