Driver shot, killed after crashing into Texas mall, injuring 5

On December 22, 2024By Littum

KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX/Gray News ) – Authorities say a man was shot and killed after driving his vehicle through a Texas mall, injuring several people Saturday night.

Texas DPS Sgt. Bryan Washko said the suspect drove through the front doors of the JCPenney at the Killeen 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, according to police.

Washko said the driver was shot and killed by a soldier.

“There were officers from DPS, the Killeen Police Department and three other agencies involved in the shooting to eliminate this threat,” Washko said.

The driver’s identity was not released by authorities.

Authorities said this was not an active shooter situation.

“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 situation started with a police chase that originated in Belton and ended at the mall, according to authorities.

Residents were asked to avoid the area as first responders conducted their investigation.