KILLEEN, Texas — A man died after police shot him following an incident where he drove his pickup truck into a J.C. Penney department store at the Killeen Mall, injuring five people, authorities said.
The incident occurred Saturday, according to a statement released by the Killeen Police Department. Police were initially investigating the driver for suspected drunken driving. "Instead of stopping," the statement read, "he smashed his pickup truck into a J.C. Penney." The vehicle penetrated the exterior of the building, causing damage and injuries to individuals inside.
Responding officers encountered the driver inside the mall. Details surrounding the confrontation that led to the shooting have not been fully released, but police confirmed that at some point, officers fired their weapons, fatally wounding the man. The identity of the driver has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
The five people injured in the incident were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not released details on the extent of their injuries, but confirmed that they were all injured as a result of the truck entering the department store. The condition of the injured is currently unknown.
The Killeen Police Department stated that an investigation into the incident is underway. The statement released by the department indicated that the investigation would encompass the events leading up to the vehicle crash, the circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting, and any potential contributing factors. The department has not disclosed whether body camera footage exists or will be released as part of the investigation.
The Killeen Mall, a major shopping destination in the area, was the scene of significant disruption as a result of the incident. The area surrounding the J.C. Penney was cordoned off by law enforcement as the investigation got underway. The incident prompted a large police presence at the mall, with officers from multiple agencies responding to the scene.
The Killeen Police Department is asking for anyone with information about the incident to contact them. The investigation is expected to take several days, and further details may be released as the investigation progresses. The department has not specified whether the driver was known to them prior to the incident, or if any prior interactions had occurred.
The incident has sparked community concern and raised questions about safety at public venues. While the investigation is still in its early stages, the events of Saturday have left a community shaken and seeking answers. The police department has pledged transparency throughout the investigation process and has promised to release more information as it becomes available.
The J.C. Penney store, which sustained significant damage from the truck, will remain closed while repairs are made and the investigation continues. The incident has prompted discussions about security measures at the mall and other public places, and may lead to a review of existing protocols.
Authorities are urging patience and cooperation from the public as they work to understand the full sequence of events. The Killeen Police Department’s investigation will seek to clarify the motives of the driver, the actions of the officers involved, and the factors that led to this tragic outcome. The incident has highlighted the potential dangers of impaired driving and the complexities of law enforcement response in such situations.
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