Incident Overview: Truck Crash and Police Shootout in Killeen, Texas
On December 22, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded at the Killeen Mall in Texas when a man drove his truck into the shopping center, injuring five individuals. The driver, identified as 53-year-old John Darrel Schultz from Kempner, Texas, reportedly drove erratically for approximately 30 kilometers before crashing into the JC Penney store around 5 p.m. local time. Following the collision, a shootout occurred between Schultz and local police, resulting in his death.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as shoppers fled in panic. Nathan Carrasco, who was in the parking lot, recounted seeing people lying on the ground amidst shattered glass. Another witness, Catherine Dedden, observed a police officer tending to an injured girl, highlighting the immediate response from law enforcement. The victims, aged between 6 and 75, were transported to local hospitals, but their conditions remain undisclosed.
Police Response and Investigation
The incident began when authorities received reports of an erratic driver in a black pickup truck in Belton, Texas, about 30 miles from Killeen. The police chase ensued, leading to the mall where the driver crashed into the store. Initially, there were concerns of an active shooter situation, but authorities later clarified that the threat had been neutralized. Ofelia Miramontez from the Killeen Police Department confirmed that the area was secure, although investigations into Schultz's possible intoxication are ongoing. Notably, Schultz had a prior arrest for drunk driving in October 2022, raising questions about his state during the incident.
