KILLEEN, Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety has identified the suspect involved in a horrific incident at the Killeen Mall as John Darrel Schultz, a 53-year-old resident of Kempner, Texas. Schultz was shot and killed by law enforcement after he drove his vehicle into a crowd, injuring several people.
The incident unfolded when Schultz drove his black pickup truck through the front entrance of a JC Penney store at the Killeen Mall, shattering the glass doors and endangering many shoppers. He continued driving approximately 100 yards inside the mall, actively running over people in what was described by authorities as a terrifying ordeal.
According to Texas DPS Sgt. Bryan Washko, the sequence of events began around 5 p.m. on Saturday when a trooper attempted to pull over Schultz for suspected drunk driving. The chase led from Belton into the mall parking lot where Schultz crashed through the store’s entrance. Four individuals were injured, with conditions ranging from minor to severe, and there was one fatality, that of Schultz himself, who was neutralized by law enforcement gunfire inside the mall.
The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a statement on Sunday, confirming the identity of the suspect: “The suspect in the Killeen Mall incident has been identified as 53-year-old John Darrel Schultz of Kempner.”
As of now, no further details about Schultz or the motives behind his actions have been released. The investigation continues, with authorities promising updates as more information becomes available.
This incident has left the community shaken, especially during the busy holiday shopping season, and has prompted a reassessment of security measures at public venues. The Killeen Mall was placed on lockdown, and there were initial reports of an active shooter which were later dispelled by officials stating it was not an active shooter situation but a vehicle attack.
The Texas Rangers are now investigating the officer-involved shooting, and the mall remains closed pending further investigation and safety assessments. This story will be updated as more details emerge.