Killeen, Texas — A man suspected of erratic driving was shot and killed by police Saturday after he drove his vehicle through the entrance of a JCPenney store at a shopping mall in Texas, striking multiple people inside. The incident, which occurred at Killeen Mall, resulted in injuries to five individuals ranging from minor to severe.
The assailant, identified on Sunday as 53-year-old John Darrel Schultz of Kempner, Texas, continued to drive his black pickup truck approximately 100 yards into the mall, “actively running over people” during a terrifying spree, according to Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Bryan Washko. Police neutralized Schultz at the scene, and officials later confirmed there was no further danger to the public.
The Texas Rangers have launched an investigation into the police shooting. Sgt. Washko emphasized that initial social media reports of an active shooter were inaccurate, and the true nature of the chaos was quickly clarified by local authorities.
Prior to the mall attack, police were already in pursuit of Schultz after receiving a report of a possibly intoxicated driver swerving along the highway around 5 p.m. that Saturday. Exiting Interstate 14, Schultz made his way recklessly into the mall’s parking lot, culminating in his violent rampage.
In addition to the physical injuries sustained by victims, Killeen Police Department reported that the incident spurred widespread panic among shoppers and workers, prompting a substantial law enforcement and emergency medical response. Police cordoned off the area to facilitate the treatment of the injured and the subsequent investigation.
Amidst the unfolding scene, police urged the public to steer clear of the vicinity, allowing emergency crews and officers unimpeded access to the area. This incident unfolded in Killeen, a city approximately 67 miles north of Austin, home to more than 90 retailers, according to the mall’s website.
The fast and effective response of the Killeen police to dispel rumors and manage the scene was despite the initial chaos, bringing order to the area and ensuring the safety of the many bystanders shaken by the incident. This event adds to the ongoing discussion around vehicle-related attacks in public spaces, highlighting challenges faced by law enforcement and security professionals in preventing and responding to such unpredictable threats.