A truck driver drove through a shopping center in Killeen, Texas, on Saturday evening, striking several people and injuring at least five, authorities said. The suspect was shot dead by the police.
The situation occurred around 5 p.m. local time when an officer called a suspected drunk driver, Texas Department of Public Safety Sergeant. Bryan Washko told reporters during a briefing Saturday evening. Killeen is about an hour north of Austin.
A Texas DPS trooper located the vehicle and followed it off the highway into the Killeen Mall parking lot. The truck then drove through the front glass doors of a JCPenny and continued inside, hitting several people, Washko said.
“The officer and the Killeen police officer continued on foot after this vehicle, which was driving through the store and actively striking people. He went a few hundred yards.” Washko said.
The suspect was shot and killed by law enforcement, Washko said, revealing that officers from five different agencies, including Texas DPS and Killeen police, “engaged in gunfire to eliminate this threat.”
The suspect’s name was not immediately released.
At least five people ranging in age from 6 to 75 were injured, Washko said. Their conditions were not confirmed. Four were taken by ambulance to area hospitals, and one person was transported himself.
Washko said the vehicle was still at the mall Saturday evening. He said the area was safe but urged the public to stay away from the mall.
The Texas Rangers Division will conduct an investigation
Texas DPS will lead the investigation into the incident, the agency said. The Texas Rangers Division, part of Texas DPS, will also be involved.
