KILLEEN, Texas — A chaotic scene unfolded at the Killeen Mall on Saturday when John Darrel Schultz, 53, of Kempner, Texas, furiously drove his vehicle through the crowded shopping center, resulting in multiple injuries before he was fatally shot by law enforcement, officials said.
The incident began near the intersection of I-35 and I-14 in Belton, where a Texas Highway Patrol trooper attempted to pull over a black pickup truck for a routine traffic stop at approximately 5 p.m. Ignoring the trooper’s signals, Schultz accelerated away, leading authorities on a high-speed chase that ended disastrously inside the mall.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Bryan Washko, Schultz rampaged through the mall’s main entrance at JC Penny, hitting several shoppers in his path. The pursuit continued on foot as officers chased the truck navigating through the mall, covering several hundred yards.
Emergency services rushed four individuals to the hospital with varying degrees of injuries, while a fifth person sought medical attention independently. The severity of the injuries ranged from minor to severe.
Officers from several agencies, including off-duty personnel who happened to be at the scene, responded swiftly. “Our combined efforts neutralized the threat swiftly, preventing further harm or potential fatalities,” Washko emphasized, confirming that Schultz was shot by police during the incident.
In the aftermath, Washko addressed misinformation about the event. He clarified that it was not an active shooter situation despite rampant speculation online, stressing the importance of accurate information during such critical incidents.
The Texas Rangers, with DPS leading the investigation, are working to uncover the motivations behind Schultz’s actions and the sequence of events leading to this tragic outcome.
Local community leaders expressed their distress and extended their sympathies to those affected. Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash-King shared her condolences, acknowledging the deep impact of the event on the community. “This profoundly troubling incident has certainly shaken our community,” she said.
The Killeen Mall also issued a statement expressing sorrow over the day’s events and assurance of ongoing support for all affected. “We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected,” the statement read.
Operations at the mall resumed Sunday afternoon with a return to normal holiday hours, even as the community began to process the gravity of Saturday’s harrowing events and started its journey towards recovery.