KILLEEN, Texas — A dramatic incident occurred in Killeen when a pickup truck driver, attempting to evade police, crashed through the entrance of a JCPenney store and drove through the mall, resulting in injuries to five individuals before being shot by law enforcement, officials confirmed.

The chaotic event unfolded around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, when the truck smashed into the department store located in Killeen, situated roughly 68 miles (109 kilometers) north of Austin, Texas. According to Sgt. Bryan Washko from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the vehicle continued its destructive path inside the building, harming several shoppers along the way.

Four of the injured victims were promptly transported to local hospitals via emergency medical services, while another individual made their own way to receive medical assistance. The ages of those affected ranged from 6 to 75 years old, but their current conditions were not immediately disclosed, Washko noted.

The incident began earlier in the day around 5 p.m. on Interstate 14 in Belton, approximately 20 miles (30 kilometers) from Killeen, following reports of a reckless driver operating a black pickup truck, according to Ofelia Miramontez with the Killeen Police Department. The driver then veered off the highway and entered the mall’s parking area.

“The suspect barreled through the doors and continued driving through the JCPenney store, hitting numerous people in the process,” Washko explained. “Officers from both the Texas troopers and local police pursued the vehicle on foot as it plowed through the store, running people over as it traveled several hundred yards.”

Law enforcement officials, including representatives from the state public safety department, Killeen, and three other agencies, opened fire on the suspect to neutralize the danger, Washko stated. Among those engaged in the gunfire was one officer working as a mall security guard, with others present being off duty.

As of the latest update from law enforcement, no details regarding the identity of the suspect have been made available. Local witnesses recounted hearing a barrage of gunshots and witnessing frantic crowds fleeing from the mall amidst the turmoil.