A chaotic scene unfolded in Killeen, Texas, when a pickup truck driver, fleeing police, crashed through a shopping mall, injuring five people, including a six-year-old child. The driver was fatally shot by officers after endangering the lives of shoppers.
The incident began on Saturday evening, around 5 p.m., when police in Belton, 20 miles from Killeen, received reports of an erratic driver. The driver, attempting to evade law enforcement, led officers on a high-speed chase that ended at the Killeen Mall. Upon arrival, the truck plowed through the glass doors of a JCPenney store, barreling several hundred yards into the mall and striking multiple individuals.
According to Sergeant Bryan Washko of the Texas Department of Public Safety, the driver was “actively running people over,” prompting officers, including off-duty personnel and a mall security guard, to open fire, killing the suspect on the scene.
Emergency medical teams responded quickly, transporting four injured individuals to local hospitals. A fifth victim sought medical attention independently. The injured ranged in age from six to 75 years old. Their current conditions remain undisclosed.
Shoppers described the scene as chaotic, with the sound of gunfire echoing through the mall as panicked crowds fled. Authorities are yet to release the identity of the driver, and the incident is under active investigation.
This tragic event highlights the dangers of high-speed pursuits in public areas and raises questions about safety protocols during police chases. As the investigation unfolds, local authorities are working to understand the driver’s motivations and ensure the safety of the community moving forward.
