Tragic Mall Crash: Driver Shot Dead After Truck Plows Into Texas Shopping Center, Injuring Five
Staff Editor Truck Driver Crashes into Texas Mall, Injures Five Before Fatal Police Shooting
In a chaotic incident on Saturday afternoon, a pickup truck driver crashed into a JCPenney store at a mall in Killeen, Texas, injuring five people before being fatally shot by police. The driver, identified as John Darrel Schultz, 53, of Kempner, was fleeing from law enforcement when he drove his vehicle into the busy department store.
The event unfolded around 5 p.m. when police received reports of an erratic driver on Interstate 14 in Belton. As officers pursued Schultz, he diverted into the mall parking lot and proceeded to crash through the JCPenney entrance. The truck continued several hundred yards into the store, striking multiple individuals in its path.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, transporting four victims to local hospitals. A fifth victim sought medical attention independently. The ages of those injured ranged from 6 to 75 years old, with their conditions initially unknown.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and Killeen Police, responded swiftly to the threat. A shootout ensued between Schultz and officers, some of whom were off-duty, including a security guard at the mall. The exchange of gunfire resulted in Schultz being fatally shot.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and described scenes of panic as shoppers and employees fled the mall. The incident caused significant distress and confusion among those present, with local news outlets capturing accounts of the terrifying experience.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to this tragic incident. The community remains shaken as they await further details and updates on the conditions of those injured.
