KILLEEN, Texas — A chaotic scene unfolded at a central Texas mall on Saturday when a man, later shot and killed by police, rammed his vehicle through the entrance, injuring five people before being fatally stopped by officers inside a department store.
The incident began around 5 p.m. at the Killeen Mall when law enforcement pursued a suspect who subsequently drove through the glass doors of the mall and into a JC Penney store. Inside, his vehicle struck several people, causing injuries ranging from minor to severe, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Authorities quickly responded to the scene where four of the injured were immediately transported to a nearby hospital by emergency services, while a fifth victim arrived separately in a personal vehicle. Medical professionals are currently attending to the victims, some of whom have sustained serious injuries.
Following the crash, the man exited his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot through the store. Officers from multiple agencies converged, and during the attempt to apprehend him, the suspect was shot and killed. The identity of the man has not been disclosed pending notification of next of kin.
Officials stressed that, despite rumors circulating on social media, there was no active shooter event associated with this incident. Authorities worked quickly to secure the scene and confirm that there was no further threat to the public.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the ongoing investigation into both the initial pursuit and the subsequent use of force by the officers involved. This includes reviewing surveillance footage from the mall and statements from witnesses who were present at the scene.
Local community leaders have called for calm and patience as investigators work to piece together the events that led to this violent and unsettling episode. Counseling services have been offered to witnesses and others affected by the traumatic event, reflecting community-wide efforts to heal.
This incident raises broader questions about vehicle security measures in public spaces as well as the protocols for law enforcement when dealing with suspects in high-traffic areas. It also underscores the unpredictable nature of public safety threats and the challenges faced by responders.
As the Killeen community grapples with the aftermath of these events, local authorities have pledged full transparency in their inquiries. The focus remains firmly on providing support to the victims and ensuring comprehensive answers are provided to the public about how and why this incident occurred.