Suspect shot dead after driving pickup truck into Killeen Mall, injuring several people

On December 22, 2024By Littum

KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) – Authorities in Bell County say a man was shot and killed after driving his vehicle through the Killeen Mall, injuring several people Saturday night.

Texas DPS Sgt. Bryan Washko says around 5 p.m., a Texas Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop a black pickup truck near I-35 and I-14 in Belton.

The suspect continued driving and eventually exited the freeway and entered the Killeen Mall parking lot before driving into the building, according to Washko.

Dash cam footage of police chase that led to suspect crashed vehicle through Killeen Mall. Video: Catherine Dedden

Washko said the suspect drove through the front doors of the JC Penny at the mall, running over several people in the process.

“The trooper and the Killeen police officer continued on foot after the vehicle, which drove through the store and ran people over,” Washko said. “He traveled several hundred meters.”

Four people were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from minor to serious, and a fifth person took himself to the hospital in connection with the incident, according to Washko.

“Our city has experienced a deeply troubling incident that has rocked our community,” said Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash-King. “My heart goes out to those injured in the tragic events at Killeen Mall, and my thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.”

KWTX’s Madison Herber reports from Killeen Mall after a man was fatally shot by authorities as he drove a vehicle through the building, injuring several people.

Washko said the suspect was shot and killed by authorities.

“We had DPS, the Killeen Police Department and three other local agencies, off-duty officers who were at the Killeen Mall, who neutralized the suspect and prevented him from injuring or possibly killing more people,” Washko said.

The suspect’s identity was not released by authorities.

Authorities said this was not an active shooter incident.

“Let me repeat, this is not an active shooter,” Washko said. “There’s been a lot of talk online that this is an active shooter, so we want to smash that.”

The Texas Rangers will conduct an investigation and Texas DPS will be the lead agency in the incident.

Full DPS Presser: Police shoot driver who crashed into Killeen Mall during pursuit

Full DPS Newser: Police fatally shoot driver who crashed into Killeen Mall during pursuit (Video: Eric Franklin)