A manhunt is intensively underway in West Texas after a suspect reportedly shot a police officer during a late-night traffic stop, authorities stated. The suspect, identified as Orlando Montanez, 42, is accused of fleeing the scene after opening fire on the officer in Big Spring, a locale situated roughly 300 miles west of Dallas. According to officials, the incident unfolded just before 2 a.m. earlier today, when officers responded to reports of a man brandishing a gun at the Crossroads Saloon. Spotting a vehicle matching the description, police attempted to stop Montanez, only to have him lead them on a high-speed chase that ended when he crashed into a fence.
As detailed in an account by FOX San Antonio, Montanez allegedly shot the officer after being ordered to exit the vehicle. The wounded officer managed to return fire and seek cover behind a patrol car. Amidst the chaos, Montanez was able to slip away on foot and avoid immediate capture. Big Spring Police officials are urging the public to be on the lookout for Montanez, who stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 250 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. His last known attire was a black sweatshirt and gray sweatpants.
The injured officer was airlifted to a hospital, suffering from serious injuries sustained in the altercation. Local law enforcement agencies have since issued a Blue Alert to facilitate Montanez's apprehension, emphasizing the threat he potentially poses to the community and police officers alike. The alert is a public safety bulletin utilized specifically in such situations where a suspect has harmed law enforcement personnel and remains at large.
Authorities are actively pursuing leads and are calling on anyone with information regarding Montanez's whereabouts to hastily contact the Howard County Sheriff's Office at (432) 264-2244 or to immediately dial 911. The public is cautioned not to approach Montanez, who is considered armed and extremely dangerous. The ongoing investigation is focused on swiftly bringing the suspect to justice and ensuring the safety of the community. The police are leveraging all available resources to track down the assailant as the search continues.
