KILLEEN, Texas – A dramatic incident unfolded in Killeen on Saturday when a motorist, fleeing from law enforcement, crashed a pickup truck into a crowded JCPenney store, resulting in injuries to five individuals before being shot by police.
Four of the injured were transported to local hospitals, while the fifth sought medical attention independently, according to a media briefing from Sgt. Bryan Washko of the Texas Department of Public Safety. The victims, ranging in age from 6 to 75, had undisclosed medical conditions.
The situation escalated after reports of an erratic driver in a black pickup truck emerged from Belton, located approximately 20 miles away. The pursuit initiated around 5 p.m. on Interstate 14, culminating in the driver maneuvering into the mall’s parking area, where the crash occurred at the department store.
Local law enforcement, including an on-duty security officer and two off-duty officers present at the mall, engaged in a gunfire exchange with the suspect. Further details regarding the identity of the suspect remain unavailable.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding public safety and law enforcement responses in emergency situations.
