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
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.