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A police chase in Killeen, Texas, took a terrifying turn on Saturday evening when a suspect crashed a black pickup truck into the Killeen Mall, injuring several people. The mall, located 80 miles north of Austin, was placed on lockdown as authorities responded to the incident.
According to DPS sergeant Bryan Washko, officers had been pursuing the vehicle for 19 miles after it was reported as a possible drink-driving incident. The suspect refused to stop, ultimately driving through the doors of a JC Penney store and striking multiple shoppers.
"The suspect drove through the doors and continued to travel through the JCPenney store, striking multiple people," Washko said.
The chase ended inside the mall, where officers, including an off-duty security guard, exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who was shot and killed.
"There's people in here shopping for their families, their children, their friends, loved ones, and these kinds of things we don't like to see, obviously, and we pray for their recovery," Washko added.
The situation was initially mistaken for an active shooter, sparking panic among shoppers according to The Mirror US.
“It was terrifying. We heard shots, and everyone just started running,” a witness reported.
A Spencer’s store employee recounted helping around 25 people find shelter at the back of the store, locking the doors to ensure their safety.
Four victims were taken to hospital with injuries ranging from minor to severe, while a fifth sought medical care independently.
A source told KWTX that law enforcement from multiple agencies, including Killeen police, Temple police, and Texas DPS troopers, responded to the scene. Killeen, located 150 miles south of Dallas, is home to the Army’s Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
