Texas authorities issued a Blue Alert early Friday, announcing a statewide manhunt for a man suspected of injuring a police officer.
Seth Altman, 33, was last seen in Memphis, Texas, about 130 miles south of Amarillo, and is wanted in connection with injury to a law enforcement officer.
Altman is “wanted on suspicion of involvement in the murder or serious bodily injury of a law enforcement officer,” according to the Texas Department of Safety.
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Who is Seth Altman?
Altman is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds. He has blue eyes and red or auburn hair. He was last seen Thursday around 11 p.m. in the 200 block of South 4th Street in Memphis, wearing a blue T-shirt and blue jeans.
He is considered armed and dangerous, News 4 San Antonio reported. If you see one, do not approach it and call 911.
Altman suspected of shooting police officer, state reports
Altman is believed to have shot and killed a police officer Thursday night, BNO News and CBS Austin reported.
The officer was shot multiple times and taken to the hospital.
The police officer’s condition is unknown, according to news outlets.
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What is a Blue Alert?
A blue alert is issued for anyone suspected of killing or seriously injuring a local, state or federal law enforcement officer, according to the Texas Department of State Safety.
The Blue Alert program was created in 2008 and is designed to quickly apprehend suspects.
According to the ministry, the following criteria must be met in order for a Blue Alert to be issued in an individual’s name:
The law enforcement officer must have been killed or seriously injured by the criminal. Authorities must believe the suspect poses a significant danger or threat to the public and law enforcement personnel. A description of the suspect’s vehicle, vehicle tag, or part of the tag must be available and the investigating agency must recommend the activation of a Blue Alert to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
This story is still in development and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Julia is a trends reporter for USA TODAY. You can connect and follow her on LinkedIn X, formerly Twitteron Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz or email jgomez@gannett.com.