Five Individuals Injured Following Driver's Crash into Texas Shopping Center

Houston, Dec 22 (NationPress) Five individuals were injured when a fleeing driver crashed into a shopping center in Killeen, located in the state of Texas, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Law enforcement officers responded by fatally shooting the driver, who had been pursued by police for approximately 32 kilometers before driving his pickup truck several hundred yards through the entrance of the mall and actively running over pedestrians, stated Sgt. Bryan Washko during a news conference.

The victims, aged between six and 75, were confirmed by Washko. The identity of the suspect remains undisclosed, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

A trooper from the Texas Highway Patrol attempted to stop the vehicle around 5 p.m. Central Time (2300 GMT), suspecting the driver of being under the influence, according to Washko.

As detailed by Washko, the driver exited the highway and entered the Killeen Mall parking area on Saturday evening, where he crashed through the glass doors of the main entrance of a JCPenney store.

"The suspect drove through the doors and continued to traverse the JCPenney store, colliding with several individuals," he explained.

"This shopping center is quite busy during this season," he added.

Authorities are currently investigating whether the driver entered the mall intentionally or out of desperation due to being chased, Washko stated.

Local officials assured the public that there was no active shooter situation at the mall. Police, fire, and emergency response teams were present at the scene, advising people to steer clear while investigations were conducted.

Further information is pending as the investigation continues.

Killeen, with a population of nearly 160,000 residents, is situated about 240 kilometers south of Dallas.