A man driving a pickup truck caused chaos at the Killeen Mall in Killeen, Texas, on Saturday evening, injuring at least five people before being fatally shot by law enforcement.

The incident occurred just days before Christmas, sending shoppers scrambling for safety at the busy retail center located approximately 70 miles north of Austin.

A suspect was shot and killed by a trooper after crashing a vehicle into a JC Penney at Killeen Mall, Texas, injuring several people. Police say the incident began as a chase in Belton and ended at the mall.

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According to Sergeant Bryan Washko of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the driver crashed his vehicle through the glass entrance of a J.C. Penney store and continued driving several hundred yards inside the mall.

During the rampage, the driver struck multiple people, ranging in age from 6 to 75 years old.

“Startled shoppers were injured as the driver was actively running people over,” Sergeant Washko said during a press conference.

Four of the injured individuals were treated at the scene, while a fifth person transported themselves to the hospital for treatment.

The incident began when law enforcement officers observed the driver operating his vehicle erratically on the highway.

When police attempted to pull him over, the suspect refused to stop, instead exiting the highway and driving to the Killeen Mall.

Once there, he accelerated through the parking lot before smashing through the glass doors of the J.C. Penney store.

The driver’s actions prompted an immediate response from multiple law enforcement agencies.

Officers from DPS, the Killeen Police Department, and three other agencies arrived on the scene and engaged the suspect to neutralize the threat.

“There were officers from DPS, the Killeen Police Department, and three other agencies that engaged in gunfire to eliminate this threat to the community,” Sergeant Washko stated.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect, whose identity has not yet been released, was fatally shot during the confrontation.

The motive for the attack remains under investigation, and it is unclear whether the suspect had any connection to the Killeen Mall or the individuals injured during the incident.

Emergency responders and investigators worked into the night to secure the scene, gather evidence, and assist those affected.

The mall, a popular shopping destination during the holiday season, was closed following the attack.

Local law enforcement has not disclosed additional details about the suspect or his actions leading up to the incident.

Authorities are urging witnesses and anyone with information to come forward to aid the investigation.

This incident marks the latest in a series of violent episodes in public spaces during the busy holiday season, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring the safety of shoppers and families.

The Killeen community, shaken by the events, has expressed support for the injured and gratitude for the swift response of law enforcement.