Multiple people were injured after a man fleeing from police drove his vehicle into a Texas mall over the weekend.
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ABC News reported that according to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the incident happened at 5 p.m. local time on Saturday, Dec. 21, when a man driving a truck was fleeing from state troopers drove his vehicle “several hundred yards” through the entrance at the JCPenney of the mall in Killeen, Texas.
Law enforcement stated the man was driving the vehicle on suspicion of possible DUI.
Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Bryan Washko stated four were injured as the man was “actively running people over.” A fifth person was later admitted to a nearby hospital on their own.
The man driving the vehicle was fatally shot by multiple law enforcement officers, including three off-duty officials, Washko confirmed. He also stated the victims’ ages range from 6 to 75. The suspect has not been identified publicly.
Law enforcement is now investigating whether the man intentionally drove through the mall or if it was an act of desperation because he was being pursued.
“Thankfully, he was stopped when he was because it could have been so much worse,” Washko shared. “This mall is pretty busy at this time of year.”
Washko further stated that there were initial claims that there was an active shooter. However, that turned out not to be the case.
Killeen, Texas, has nearly 160,000 residents and is located 70 miles north of Austin.
Witnesses of the Killeen, Texas Mall Incident Speak Out
Meanwhile, local media outlet Killeen Daily Herald spoke to several witnesses of the terrifying mall incident.
A woman, who was standing outside the mall by the police line, stated she was trying to contact her daughter, who had “locked herself inside a store.” She was scared there was an active shooter. She later reported that her daughter was safe and uninjured.
Another witness shared that she was at the mall’s food court when she heard gunshots. She estimated that “at least a hundred” people were fleeing from the area where the JCPenney is located.
An employee at Spencer’s recalled hearing the gunshots.
“I heard the shooting,” she said. “People were scared. We escorted about 20-25 people in the store to the back and locked the doors to ensure their safety.”
Another employee revealed there was a large smell of smoke in the air in front of the JCPenney.
Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash-King, released a statement about the ordeal.
“Our city has experienced a profoundly troubling incident that has shaken our community,” she stated. “My heart goes out to those injured during the tragic events at the Killeen Mall, and my thoughts and prayers are with them and their families. We are grateful to the first responders and law enforcement officers who acted swiftly and courageously to ensure the safety of our citizens and bring the threat to an end.”
The mall previously experienced a terrifying incident in 2021 when a man approached a Finish Line employee and opened fire. The victim survived.