A chaotic scene unfolded at Killeen Mall on Saturday when a man, fleeing law enforcement, drove his vehicle through the JC Penney store doors, resulting in injuries to five bystanders. According to MSN, the incident occurred at around 5 p.m. and ended when the suspect was fatally shot by officers after exiting the vehicle and attempting to escape on foot within the store.
Initial reports of an active shooter stirred panic which was later dismissed by local law enforcement who clarified that gunfire ensued when multiple agencies responded to the mayhem the suspect caused, driving through the mall and hitting people, as was confirmed by a statement obtained by CBS Austin.
The five individuals struck by the suspect's vehicle suffered injuries with at least some described as severe; four were transported to local hospitals while one person reached a hospital by private means. The severity of the injuries has not been detailed, and the identities of those injured or the deceased suspect have not been disclosed pending an ongoing investigation into the entire ordeal.
The Department of Public Safety, through Sgt. Bryan Washko, reassured the public that there is no continuing threat following the incident which saw officers from more than one agency engage, and ultimately end, the threat posed by the suspect officials are insisting was not an active shooter amidst the circulating rumors and the individual was shot and killed during their attempt at neutralizing the situation according to CBS Austin.
Further details regarding the suspect's motives, the nature of the chase, and the law enforcement response are still forthcoming as the investigation progresses. Community members have been advised to stay clear of the area to allow law enforcement and first responders to manage the situation and begin the process of understanding the series of events that led to this dramatic and tragic outcome.
