A shocking incident unfolded Saturday evening at the Killeen Mall in Killeen, Texas, leaving five people injured after a truck driver drove through the shopping center. The driver, 53-year-old Darrel Schultz from Kempner, Texas, was shot and killed by law enforcement to stop the dangerous situation.
It all began around 5 p.m. when a police officer reported a suspected drunk driver, according to Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Bryan Washko. Killeen, for reference, is about an hour north of Austin. A DPS trooper later spotted the suspect’s black truck in the nearby city of Belton, roughly 20 miles east of Killeen. When the driver refused to stop, a high-speed chase began.
The chase took a frightening turn when the truck left the highway and headed straight into the parking lot of the Killeen Mall. Things escalated quickly as the truck smashed through the front glass doors of a JCPenney store and continued speeding through the mall. Witnesses watched in horror as the vehicle struck several people along its path.
Law enforcement officers didn’t hesitate. Both the DPS trooper and a Killeen police officer chased the truck on foot, determined to stop it. The truck had already traveled several hundred yards inside the store, actively hitting people, when officers from multiple agencies stepped in. Officers opened fire, ultimately stopping Schultz before the situation could become even more tragic.
Sgt. Washko shared that five people were hurt in the incident, ranging in age from 6 to 75. Four of them were taken to nearby hospitals by ambulance, while one person sought medical care on their own. The conditions of those injured weren’t immediately available, but thankfully, authorities acted quickly to prevent more harm. Washko emphasized that things could have been far worse, especially with the mall being so busy during the holiday shopping season.
As of Saturday night, the truck remained inside the mall, and authorities had secured the area. Sgt. Washko reassured the public there was no active shooter, dispelling earlier rumors. The Texas Department of Public Safety, along with its Rangers Division, will lead the investigation into this terrifying incident.
“Thankfully, officers were able to stop him when they did,” Washko said, reflecting on what could have been an even greater tragedy. Authorities are urging people to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
