A man who drove into a Texas mall on Saturday, striking multiple people, was shot and killed by police, authorities confirmed. The incident took place at the Killeen Mall in Killeen, where the man crashed into the front of a JC Penney store, causing significant damage to the glass doors. According to Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Bryan Washko, the driver then proceeded to drive his black pickup approximately 100 yards while intentionally hitting multiple individuals, resulting in injuries.
Sgt. Washko provided details during a news conference held on Saturday night, stating that the driver was actively running people over before law enforcement intervened. In response to the escalating situation, police opened fire, ultimately fatally shooting the suspect. Washko assured the public that there was no longer a threat to the community and disclosed that the Texas Rangers have initiated an investigation into the police-involved shooting.
Four individuals were transported to local hospitals following the incident, with injuries ranging from severe to minor, as reported by Washko. Additionally, another person who sustained minor injuries sought medical attention at a hospital independently. Washko mentioned that the age range of those injured varied from six to 75 years old.
Emphasizing that there was no active shooter at the mall, contrary to initial reports circulated on social media, Washko clarified the situation. The Killeen Police Department also addressed and dispelled the rumors on Facebook earlier in the day.
The chain of events began with police responding to a report of a potentially intoxicated driver on the highway around 5 p.m., as detailed by Washko. The driver, upon exiting Interstate 14, drove into the parking lot of the Killeen Mall before crashing into the store, triggering the subsequent series of events.
Video footage from the scene depicted a significant law enforcement presence at the shopping center as authorities swiftly responded to the unfolding situation. In light of the incident, police urged the public to avoid the area to facilitate the work of first responders and investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Killeen, situated approximately 67 miles north of Austin, was the location of the unsettling incident. The Killeen Mall, boasting a diverse array of more than 90 retailers, serves as a prominent shopping destination in the city.
