KILLEEN, Texas — A dramatic incident unfolded at a Killeen mall on Saturday when a truck driver, attempting to evade law enforcement, crashed through the entrance of a JCPenney store, resulting in injuries to five individuals before officers fatally shot him, according to reports from local authorities.
The driver, identified as 53-year-old John Darrel Schultz from Kempner, steered his vehicle into the crowded department store located about 70 miles (110 kilometers) north of Austin. The chaotic event occurred in the afternoon as Schultz drove through the mall’s entrance, striking patrons along the way, as detailed by Sgt. Bryan Washko of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
In the aftermath of the incident, emergency medical personnel rushed four of the injured to hospitals in the vicinity, while another victim made their own way to a medical facility. The ages of those injured varied significantly, ranging from a 6-year-old to a 75-year-old, with their current health statuses still being assessed.
Authorities reported that the chaotic chase commenced around 5 p.m. on Interstate 14, in Belton, approximately 20 miles (30 kilometers) away from Killeen. This began after several reports were made concerning a driver behaving erratically in a black pickup truck, as stated by Ofelia Miramontez from the Killeen Police Department. Schultz subsequently diverted off the freeway and into the parking area of the mall, where the situation quickly escalated.
According to Washko, “The suspect drove through the doors and continued to drive through the JCPenney store, striking multiple people.” Officers from various law enforcement agencies, including state troopers and Killeen police, pursued the vehicle on foot as it meandered through the store, leading to further chaos as it continued for several hundred yards.
In a significant response, law enforcement officials returned fire to neutralize the threat posed by Schultz. Notably, among those engaged in the exchange were an officer who was serving as a security guard at the mall and several other officers who were off-duty at the time of the incident.
Witnesses reported hearing a series of gunshots and described scenes of chaos as patrons hurried to escape the mall during the incident. The community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this startling event, which raised concerns about safety in public spaces.
