Six-Year-Old Among Five Injured in Texas Shopping Center Truck Crash; Driver Shot Dead by Police | US News
A pickup truck driver was shot and killed by police after crashing into a shopping center in Texas, injuring five individuals, including a six-year-old child.
According to officers, the driver led them on a chase before colliding with a JCPenney store in Killeen, approximately 68 miles (109 km) north of Austin, while “actively running people over.”
Sergeant Bryan Washko of the Texas Department of Public Safety stated, “They engaged in gunfire to neutralize this threat.”
The pursuit began around 5 PM (11 PM UK time) on Saturday in Belton, around 20 miles (30 km) from Killeen, after authorities received reports of a reckless driver.
Witnesses stated that the vehicle drove several hundred yards inside the store. Pic: KXXV/AP
After hitting the JCPenney store, the driver “struck multiple people,” according to Sergeant Washko.
Officers pursued the vehicle on foot as it traveled several hundred yards, “driving through the store and actively running people over.” The suspect was subsequently shot dead.
“Fortunately, they apprehended him fairly quickly, but he did go quite a distance,” Mr. Washko remarked.
Sergeant Brian Washko expressed their thoughts are with those injured in the incident. Pic: ENEX
A significant police presence was noted at the shopping center’s car park on Saturday. Pic: KXXV/AP
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The identity of the suspect has yet to be disclosed.
Paramedics transported four individuals to local hospitals, while a fifth arrived independently. The ages of the injured ranged from six to 75 years old, but there have been no updates on their conditions.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing panicked individuals fleeing the shopping center.
“To those affected, our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families, especially during the Christmas season,” stated Sergeant Washko.
