What Is A Blue Alert And Why Did You Get One On Monday Night?

I was sleeping soundly on Monday night dreaming of sugarplums dancing in my head, wait, no, too early for that. Actually I was dreaming of winning the lottery when all of the sudden my sweet dreams were interrupted by a loud alert tone from my cell phone. After I calmed down and my heart stopped racing I picked up my phone to see what the heck was going on. On the screen there was a notification for a Blue Alert. I had no idea such an alert even existed so I did what any person in 2021 would do, I opened Google.

Turns out that a Blue Alert is something the state of Texas put into place in 2008 to let residents across the state know when someone who is a suspect in the killing or injuring of a federal, state or local law enforcement officer in the line of duty is on the run. While it was a scary thing to hear so late at night, it is an important tool for state law enforcement officers in finding someone who is suspected of hurting or killing one of the men or women who are tasked with protecting Texans.

In the case of Monday night's Blue Alert, it was issued because a man who has not been identified or any description about whom has been released is being sought. He is driving a white Cadillac with Texas license plates FXJ1334. The Texas Department of Public Safety says the vehicle has a possible broken or damaged rear window and bullet holes in it. It was last seen northbound on U.S. Highway 287 in Jolly about 7 Monday night southeast of Wichita Falls.

Again, these alerts are statewide in case the suspect is on the run out of the area where the alleged crime is said to have taken place. If you have any information you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety at (512) 424-2000.