Suspect in shooting of Texas police chief is apprehended without incident in Fort Worth

MEMPHIS, TX - The suspect who shot a Texas police chief earlier this month was apprehended this week after a nearly month-long manhunt, the Lubbock Avalance-Journal reports. 

The Fort Worth Police Department said Seth Altman was arrested in that city just before 5:00 p.m. on Oct. 25. Tarrant County jail records confirmed the arrest. He is being held at the Lon Evans Corrections Center. 

“The arrest was made without incident, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the FWPD and additional law enforcement agencies,” Fort Worth police said. 

On Oct. 3, 2024, Memphis Police Chief Rex Plant and another officer attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Altman, 33, for burglary of a habitation, the Avalanche-Journal was told by Texas Department of Public Safety officials. DPS told the outlet that when officers approached Altman, he pulled out a handgun and fired multiple rounds at the officers, with at least one bullet striking Chief Plant. He then fled on foot. 

The shooting prompted a Blue Alert, a statewide notification system that is activated when a suspect who has killed or seriously injured a law enforcement officer is at large, the following day and spurred a statewide manhunt. He is now facing a charge of attempted capital murder of a peace officer. 

Plant was airlifted to a Lubbock, Texas, hospital and was released several days later. 

After the shooting, the office of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a $10,000 reward leading to the arrest of Altman, who was also added to the 10 Most Wanted Fugitive List in the Lonestar State, a list maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety that features the most dangerous and elusive fugitives in the state. 

“Texas is first and foremost a law-and-order state,” Abbott said, according to a news release. “Law enforcement officers selflessly put their lives on the line each day they put on their badge, and they deserve to know that they have the full support of the State of Texas. I encourage anyone with information relating 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 are praying for the swift recovery of Chief Rex Plant and for his loved ones during this difficult time.” 

The Hall County Sheriff’s Office said Altman is being held on a $1 million bond. No information on a court date was available. 
 

For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Sign in to comment

Comments

Powered by LET CMS™ Comments

Get latest news delivered daily!

We will send you breaking news right to your inbox

© 2024 Law Enforcement Today, Privacy Policy