BRENHAM, Texas – Officials said that one person was killed and 13 people were injured after a man, driving an 18-wheeler, intentionally crashed into a Department of Public Safety office in Brenham Friday.
The deadly incident took place around 10:30 a.m. at the office located at 975 Hwy 390 W.
Authorities said the suspect, Clenard Parker, was denied the license on Thursday.
#Breaking - A commercial motor vehicle ran into the Brenham DPS Office, and there are reports of multiple serious injuries.
— TxDPS - Southeast Texas Region (@TxDPSSoutheast) April 12, 2024
PIO is headed to the scene.
Please stay clear of the area as investigators and medical personnel respond to the area.
Updates will be provided here.
On Friday, Parker was reportedly found to be driving a stolen 18-wheeler around Liberty County.
Deputies noticed the truck and began to pursue Parker. At some point during the chase, Parker made a hard right turn, directly into the building.
Officials said the 18-wheeler entered the building in the front lobby where customers were waiting, drove directly into the front office, and then put the truck in reverse.
One victim was taken to the hospital and was later pronounced dead.
Two of the other victims were said to have serious injuries, three were taken to a hospital and have been released, and eight were treated at the scene.
County Judge Mark Keough wrote on Twitter that he was told the situation was “intentional and done by the suspect who was denied a CDL yesterday. He returned today with intent to harm.”
Parker was arrested at the scene, according to DPS. He is facing three charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one charge of unauthorized use of a vehicle and one charge of evading arrest. It is being reported that he could also be charged with murder.
Senator Kolkhorst released the following statement on this morning’s incident in Brenham:
“Today, a horrific tragedy occurred in my hometown of Brenham where an individual driving a stolen 18-wheeler crashed through the local Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Three individuals were life-flighted with critical injuries. Three other patrons were transported to local hospitals in stable condition. I have been in contact with local officials as well as the Director of DPS and the Lt. Governor’s office. All resources are being deployed to assist our local first responders. DPS reports that no staff suffered serious injury; one staffer had been trapped for a period of time inside the office.
According to law enforcement, this appears to be an intentional, criminal act and the Texas Rangers will be leading the investigation. This deliberate, heinous act is a reminder of the dangerous work done by our law enforcement and licensing agencies that work to provide public safety and services. Please join me in praying for the innocent victims and their families at this time.”
Several agencies have been called in to investigate, including the FBI.
Officials have asked the public to stay clear of the area as they investigate the scene.
Customers have been asked to go to other locations and schedule appointments elsewhere until this location reopens.