Truck Driver Fleeing Scene Crashes Into JCPenney at Texas Mall, Leaving 5 Injured; Suspect Deceased

KILLEEN, Texas—A driver fleeing from police in a pickup truck crashed through the entrance of a JCPenney store in Texas and barreled through a crowded mall, injuring five individuals before officers shot him dead, according to officials.

The incident took place around 5:30 p.m. Saturday when the truck smashed into the department store located in Killeen, approximately 68 miles north of Austin, the state capital. It continued to drive inside the building, hitting shoppers along the way, stated Sgt. Bryan Washko of the Texas Department of Public Safety during a news conference.

Four victims were taken to local hospitals by emergency medical services, while another victim made their own way to a hospital. The injured ranged in age from 6 to 75 years, and their conditions were not disclosed right away, Washko noted.

The police pursuit began around 5 p.m. on Interstate 14 in Belton, roughly 20 miles from Killeen, after reports came in about a reckless driver in a black pickup truck, as indicated by Ofelia Miramontez of the Killeen Police Department.

The suspect subsequently veered off the highway and entered the mall’s parking lot.

“The suspect crashed through the doors and continued to drive through the JCPenney store, hitting multiple individuals,” Washko explained. “The trooper and the Killeen police officer pursued the vehicle on foot as it drove through the store, actively running over people. He covered several hundred yards.”

Law enforcement members from various agencies including the state public safety department and Killeen exchanged gunfire to neutralize the threat, Washko reported.

One officer involved in the exchange was a security guard at the mall, while others were off-duty officers, he added.

At the time of the briefing, Washko did not have details about the suspect’s identity.

Witnesses who spoke to local news outlets reported hearing numerous gunshots and seeing people running for safety throughout the mall.