The Federal Communications Commission received thousands of complaints from angry Texans over early morning cell phone notifications about last week's shooting death of a police chief.
Just before 5 a.m. on October 4, Blue Alert activated a device in the Texas Panhandle to locate and arrest Seth Altman, 33, the man wanted in the shooting death of Memphis Police Chief Rex Plant. Ta.
The FCC announced that it has received 4,500 complaints regarding the safety alert.
It was not clear how the agency would address complaints.
The FCC told Fox News Digital that it will not send out notices, noting that its primary role is to adopt technical and operational rules for telecommunications providers that distribute warnings to the public.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Plante and another officer were at Altman's home on Thursday night serving an arrest warrant on suspicion of robbery.
Authorities said Altman opened fire, striking Plant, then fled.
The police chief was taken to a Lubbock hospital and is in stable condition.
Altman has been added to the top 10 list of Texas' most wanted fugitives and is wanted for attempted murder of a peace officer, DPS said.
Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a $10,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
DPS Spokesperson Sheridan Nolen told FOX News Digital that Blue Alerts are intended to warn the public about potential dangers.
“These are designed to expedite the arrest of violent criminals who kill or seriously injure law enforcement officers by providing tips and leads to law enforcement agencies, and therefore “This gives us the best chance of arresting the person,” Nolen said.
On Monday, Wichita/Sedgwick County, Kansas Crime Stoppers said Altman may be in the area.
“Seth may be in the Wichita metropolitan area,” Crime Stoppers said in a Facebook post, noting that he is approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs approximately 220 pounds, and wears glasses.
The Blue Law program was signed into law in Texas in 2008.
Criteria for sending an alert include if a law enforcement officer is killed or seriously injured, the suspect poses a significant danger or threat to the public, and details about the offender's vehicle, vehicle tag, or portion of the tag. This includes cases where there is a detailed explanation. It can be broadcast to the general public.
Law enforcement agencies must also recommend it, according to the DPS website.
