Crime
Multiple people injured after vehicle crashes into JC Penney at Killeen Mall in Texas, suspect shot dead
The exact number of injured individuals is still being determined.
Killeen, TX – A police pursuit that began in Belton ended in tragedy at the Killeen Mall on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
The chase culminated in a fatal officer-involved shooting and multiple injuries to bystanders, according to authorities.
The incident unfolded when a high-speed chase initiated in Belton reached its conclusion at the southern entrance of the Killeen Mall, near the JCPenney store.
According to initial reports, the suspect drove the vehicle into the mall, causing significant damage and reportedly injuring several bystanders.
The exact number of injured individuals is still being determined.
Law enforcement personnel, including officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Killeen Police Department, confronted the suspect at the scene.
During the confrontation, a DPS trooper discharged their firearm, fatally wounding the suspect.
The identity of the suspect has not been disclosed, and authorities are actively investigating the series of events that led to this outcome.
Emergency responders, including the Killeen Fire Department, have been assisting at the scene.
The area has been cordoned off as officials conduct a joint investigation into the actions of the suspect and the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and shooting.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid the vicinity of the Killeen Mall while they process the scene and gather evidence.
Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Killeen Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.