Crime
Video shows moments suspect shot and killed by troopers after vehicle crashes into JC Penney at Killeen Mall in Texas
The suspect struck multiple individuals during the incident, causing injuries to at least five people.
Killeen, TX – A chaotic scene unfolded at the Killeen Mall on Saturday night when a high-speed police chase ended with a vehicle crashing into the front entrance of JCPenney and a fatal officer-involved shooting.
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Sgt. Bryan Washko confirmed that the suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was fatally shot by a trooper after driving through the mall’s entrance.
The suspect struck multiple individuals during the incident, causing injuries to at least five people.
Four victims were transported to local hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to severe, while a fifth individual sought medical attention independently.
Video footage of the incident shows the dramatic moments leading up to the fatal confrontation. Following the crash, the suspect reportedly exited the vehicle, prompting troopers to take action.
Early reports on social media created widespread speculation about an active shooter situation at the mall, which Sgt. Washko promptly addressed.
“Let me reiterate, this is not an active shooter situation,” Sgt. Washko stated. “There’s a lot of chatter online suggesting that, but I want to be clear—that did not happen.”
The Killeen Police Department echoed this sentiment in a Facebook post, assuring the public that the mall is secure.
“There is no active shooter at the Killeen Mall,” the post read. “DPS, KFD [Killeen Fire Department], and KPD [Killeen Police Department] are on scene investigating. We urge citizens to avoid the area as the investigation continues.”
According to authorities, the incident began as a police pursuit in Belton before concluding in Killeen.
The circumstances surrounding the chase and the actions of the suspect remain under investigation.
As of the latest update, the total number of injured victims and the extent of their injuries are still being confirmed.
Law enforcement officials are working diligently to piece together the sequence of events and ensure the safety of the community.
The DPS, KPD, and KFD are conducting a joint investigation, and more information is expected to be released as details emerge. Residents are urged to avoid the Killeen Mall area while authorities process the scene.
Crime
2 Christian County deputies killed in the line of duty, suspect Richard Bird also dead
The name of the second deputy has not yet been publicly released pending family notification.
Christian County, Mo. — A massive multi-agency manhunt in Christian County has ended with the suspect dead, but not before claiming the lives of two sheriff’s deputies and injuring two others.
According to Brad Cole, the suspect, Richard Bird, was shot and killed by law enforcement officers early Tuesday morning near the roundabout on State Highway 160 close to Reeds Spring.
Authorities confirmed that two deputies with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office were killed in the line of duty during the operation.
One of the fallen deputies has been identified as 30-year-old Deputy Gabriel Ramirez.
The name of the second deputy has not yet been publicly released pending family notification.
In addition to the two fatalities, one Christian County deputy and one deputy from the Webster County Sheriff’s Office were wounded during the exchange of gunfire.
Sheriff Cole stated that their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The violence began around 4:00 p.m. Monday when a Christian County deputy conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of State Highway 160 and Route HH, south of Highlandville.
During that stop, Deputy Ramirez was fatally shot, prompting a Blue Alert and a large-scale manhunt for Bird.
After Bird’s vehicle was located abandoned, officers from across the Ozarks converged on the area. Sheriff Cole said approximately 100 officers, deputies, and state troopers participated in the search effort, along with federal partners including the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and the ATF.
The search continued for hours into the early morning. A helicopter operated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol detected a moving heat signature in a wooded area near Reeds Spring. As deputies approached the location, Bird reportedly opened fire. Law enforcement officers returned fire, fatally striking the suspect and ending the threat.
While the suspect was neutralized, the outcome has left the community in mourning. Two deputies lost their lives in the line of duty, and two others were injured.
Sheriff Cole described the loss as devastating for the department and the broader community. Families of the fallen deputies are now grieving, and colleagues across multiple agencies are reflecting on the risks law enforcement officers face daily.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing as authorities continue to process the scene and review the circumstances surrounding the shootings.