The 10 Most Wanted Fugitives in Texas Still on the Run
Texas law enforcement agencies are actively searching for the state’s most wanted fugitives, individuals accused of serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault of a child, aggravated robbery, and manslaughter. These fugitives have evaded capture, but authorities are determined to bring them to justice. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains a list of the most wanted criminals in the state, offering rewards for information leading to their arrest. Below are the profiles of the top 10 most wanted fugitives in Texas, along with their charges and potential rewards.
1. Seth Michael Altman
- Charges: Attempted Capital Murder
- Reward: $10,000
- Description: Altman is wanted for attempting to kill a law enforcement officer. Authorities warn that he is armed and dangerous.
2. Miguel Angel Gomez
- Charges: Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
- Reward: $7,500
- Description: Gomez has been on the run after being charged with sexually assaulting a minor. He is considered a high-risk offender.
3. Raul Herrera Jr.
- Charges: Sexual Assault of a Child
- Reward: $7,500
- Description: Herrera Jr. has a history of violent crimes and is wanted for sexual offenses against minors. He has known ties to several Texas cities.
4. Cecil Colby Smith
- Charges: Sexual Assault of a Child
- Reward: $3,000
- Description: Smith is a convicted sex offender with a history of failing to comply with court orders. Authorities are urging the public to report any sightings.
5. Arthur Dewayne Carson
- Charges: Sexual Assault of a Child
- Reward: $5,000
- Description: Carson has multiple warrants for crimes against children. Law enforcement believes he may be hiding in rural areas.
6. Stephen Joseph Vess
- Charges: Sexual Assault of a Child, Possession of Child Pornography
- Reward: $3,000
- Description: Vess is wanted for multiple child exploitation crimes and is considered highly dangerous.
7. Jordon Joe
- Charges: Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
- Reward: $7,500
- Description: Joe is believed to have connections in multiple states, making his apprehension challenging.
8. Marcos Alonzo
- Charges: Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
- Reward: $3,000
- Description: Alonzo has repeatedly violated parole and failed to report his whereabouts to authorities.
9. Larry Valdez
- Charges: Sexual Assault of a Child
- Reward: $3,000
- Description: Valdez is a repeat offender known for targeting vulnerable minors.
10. Robert Barrera Jr.
- Charges: Sexual Assault of a Child
- Reward: $3,000
- Description: Barrera Jr. is considered a high-risk offender with a history of evading police.
The Hunt for Texas’ Most Wanted Fugitives
The search for these criminals involves multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the U.S. Marshals Service, and local police departments. Many of these fugitives have connections to various cities across Texas, and some have fled to neighboring states to avoid arrest.
Authorities rely heavily on public assistance to track down these individuals. Community members are encouraged to report any sightings or information related to the fugitives by contacting the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477). All tips are anonymous, and callers could earn up to the cash reward amount listed for each fugitive.
How Fugitives Evade Capture
Many wanted criminals manage to stay on the run by frequently changing locations, using false identities, and relying on networks of associates to help them remain hidden. Some escape capture by:
- Moving between different states
- Altering their appearance
- Using fake documentation
- Avoiding digital footprints
- Seeking refuge in secluded areas
Law enforcement agencies use various tactics to locate these individuals, including facial recognition technology, license plate readers, and surveillance methods. Despite their efforts, fugitives continue to evade capture, making public assistance crucial in solving these cases.
Impact of Crime on Texas Communities
The crimes committed by these fugitives have had a devastating impact on victims and their families. Many of these criminals have preyed on the most vulnerable members of society, including children. The emotional and psychological toll on victims can be long-lasting, often requiring years of therapy and support to recover.
Furthermore, the presence of dangerous criminals in communities creates fear and insecurity among residents. Law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of removing these individuals from society to ensure public safety.
High-Profile Arrests from Texas’ Most Wanted List
Over the years, law enforcement has successfully captured many fugitives from the Texas Most Wanted list. Some notable cases include:
- The arrest of Jose Luis Garcia, a fugitive wanted for multiple counts of aggravated assault. He was caught after a tip from a concerned citizen led police to his hideout.
- The capture of Martin Alvarado, a convicted murderer who had been on the run for over a decade. Advanced forensic technology played a significant role in tracking him down.
- The takedown of a human trafficking ring, which included fugitives from Texas’ most wanted list. Authorities worked with federal agencies to dismantle the operation and rescue several victims.
These cases highlight the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the public in bringing fugitives to justice.
How to Stay Informed and Report Information
If you have any information about these fugitives, it is crucial to report it immediately. You can:
- Call Texas Crime Stoppers at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
- Submit an anonymous tip online via the Texas DPS website
- Contact your local law enforcement agency
Authorities urge people not to approach fugitives directly, as they may be armed and dangerous. Instead, they should report sightings to law enforcement immediately.
Additionally, Texas DPS frequently updates its Most Wanted List on its official website, providing the latest information on fugitives, rewards, and arrests. Staying informed helps communities remain vigilant and proactive in keeping Texas safe.
Final Thoughts
Texas’ top 10 most wanted fugitives remain a significant concern for law enforcement and the public. These individuals have committed heinous crimes, and their capture is essential to ensuring justice for victims and safety for all Texans. With public cooperation and continuous law enforcement efforts, it is only a matter of time before these fugitives are brought to justice.
If you recognize any of the individuals on this list or have any information regarding their whereabouts, do not hesitate to report it. Every tip brings law enforcement one step closer to making Texas a safer place.
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.
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Texas Department of Public Safety Highlights Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives
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