DPS confirms suspect shot and killed after driving vehicle through Killeen Mall

KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) – Authorities say a man was shot and killed after driving his vehicle through the Killeen Mall, injuring multiple people Saturday night.

Texas DPS Sgt. Bryan Washko says at around 5 p.m., a Texas Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop a black pickup truck near I-35 and I-14 in Belton.

The suspect continued driving and eventually left the highway, driving into the Killeen Mall parking lot before driving into the building, according to Washko.

Washko said the suspect drove through the front doors of JC Penny at the mall, running over multiple people in the process.

“The trooper and Killeen police officer continued on foot after the vehicle which was driving through the store running people over,” Washko said. “He traveled several hundred yards.”

Four people were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from minor to severe and a fifth person took themselves to the hospital in relation to the incident, according to Washko.

“Our city has experienced a profoundly troubling incident that has shaken our community,” Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash-King said. “My heart goes out to those injured during the tragic events at the Killeen Mall, and my thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.”

Washko said the suspect was shot and killed by authorities.

“We had DPS, the Killeen Police Department and three other local agencies, officers that were off duty that were in the Killeen Mall that neutralized the suspect and kept him from harming or possibly killing any more people,” Washko said.

The identify of the suspect was not revealed by authorities.