This picture taken from video supplied by KCEN-TV exhibits police responding after a person drove a car right into a JCPenney at a shopping center Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in Killeen, Texas.
AP/KCEN-TV
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AP/KCEN-TV
KILLEEN, Texas — A pickup truck driver fleeing police careened via the doorways of a JCPenney retailer in Texas and continued via a busy mall, injuring 5 individuals earlier than he was fatally shot by officers, authorities mentioned.
The truck crashed into the division retailer in Killeen, about 68 miles (109 kilometers) north of the state capital Austin, round 5:30 p.m. Saturday and continued into the constructing, hanging individuals because it went, Sgt. Bryan Washko of the Texas Division of Public Security mentioned in a night information briefing.
Emergency medical companies transported 4 victims from the mall to space hospitals and one other traveled to a hospital individually. They ranged in age from 6 to 75 years outdated and their situations weren’t instantly recognized, he mentioned.
The chase started round 5 p.m. on Interstate 14 in Belton, about 20 miles (30 kilometers) from Killeen, after authorities obtained calls about an erratic driver in a black pickup, Ofelia Miramontez of the Killeen Police Division mentioned.
The driving force then pulled off the highway and drove into the car parking zone of the mall.
“The suspect drove via the doorways and continued to drive via the JCPenney retailer, hanging a number of individuals,” Washko mentioned. “The trooper and the Killeen police officer continued on foot after this car, which was driving via the shop, actively operating individuals over. He traveled a number of hundred yards.”
Officers from the state public security division, Killeen and three different legislation enforcement companies “engaged in gunfire to eradicate this menace,” Washko mentioned.
One of many officers who traded gunfire with the suspect was working as a safety guard on the mall and others have been off responsibility, he mentioned.
Washko didn’t have details about the suspect’s id on the time of the briefing.
Witnesses interviewed by native information shops exterior the mall mentioned they heard a number of gunshots and noticed individuals fleeing via the mall.
