A quiet holiday shopping day turned into a nightmare at Killeen Mall in Texas. On December 21, 2024, a man drove a pickup truck through the JCPenney store, injuring five people. The shocking mall crash left shoppers running for safety. Police have released dash and body camera footage of the pursuit. What led to this terrifying event? Keep reading to uncover the chilling details of this tragic day.
Driver’s Deadly Path Through Killeen Mall
John Schultz, 53, from Kempner, Texas, drove his black pickup truck into the JCPenney store as he tried to evade police. The mall crash happened around 5:00 p.m. during the busy Christmas shopping season. The truck smashed through glass doors and traveled hundreds of yards inside. Shoppers screamed as the vehicle hit people and displays. Meanwhile, the destruction left a trail of glass and debris.
Police Pursuit Sparks Chaos
The incident began in Belton, 20 miles away, when police spotted Schultz driving recklessly. A Texas trooper tried to stop him, but Schultz sped off. For 11 minutes, a high-speed chase roared toward Killeen. The trooper attempted a maneuver to stop the truck, but it failed. Consequently, Schultz crashed into the mall, turning a routine pursuit into a disaster. Five people, aged 6 to 75, were injured in the rampage.
Officers Stop the Threat
Police, including a Texas trooper and off-duty officers, acted fast. They ran into the mall, firing at the truck to stop Schultz. The vehicle crashed into an office space inside JCPenney, wheels still spinning. Officers found Schultz dead after the gunfire. Later, they discovered pills and vodka in the truck.
Community Reels from the Shock
Witnesses described a scene of panic. Shoppers hid in stores or fled through back exits. Nathan Carrasco saw people injured on the floor. Catherine Dedden watched a girl being carried to an ambulance. Meanwhile, the Killeen Mall closed briefly but reopened the next day. The community mourned, especially as the Moreno family faced recovery during the holidays.
Investigation Seeks Answers
The Texas Rangers are investigating the mall crash and police shooting. Schultz had a prior DUI charge in 2022, raising questions about his state of mind. Was this intentional or a desperate act during the chase? Authorities are examining the truck’s contents for clues. For now, the motive remains a mystery, leaving Killeen shaken.
Reflecting on a Tragic Day
The Killeen Mall crash turned a joyful holiday moment into terror. Five people were injured, and a community was left in shock. Quick police action stopped the threat, but questions linger. What can malls do to prevent such chaos in the future?
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