Article Summary –
A stolen big rig truck was intentionally driven into a Texas Department of Public Safety office, killing one person and injuring at least a dozen. The suspect, 42-year-old Clenard Parker, who had been denied his commercial driver’s license the previous day, stole the truck and crashed it into the office. Three people were airlifted to hospital with critical injuries, one of whom died, while three others were transported by ambulance and eight were treated at the scene.
Semi-Truck Intentionally Driven into Texas Public Safety Office
In an apparent intentional act, a stolen big rig crashed into a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, resulting in one fatality and injuring at least twelve people, reported DPS Sgt. Justin Ruiz. The incident took place in Brenham, about 75 miles west of Houston, in what was described as a “deliberate, heinous act” by Texas state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst.
Suspect Identified
The suspect, 42-year-old Clenard Parker, allegedly stole the 18-wheeler after being denied his commercial driver’s license at the Brenham DPS office. Parker is in custody at the Washington County Jail, facing multiple charges, including evading arrest and unauthorized use of a vehicle, with a court appearance scheduled for Saturday.
Details of the Incident
Parker allegedly drove the stolen rig directly into the DPS office, crashing into the driver’s license waiting area. Three critically injured individuals were airlifted to hospitals, with one later succumbing to their injuries. Three others were taken to a local hospital by ambulance, treated, and later released. Eight people received treatment at the scene and were then released. The suspect was not among the injured. The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Response and Aftermath
Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura praised law enforcement for quickly apprehending the suspect and potentially preventing further attacks. According to Sen. Kolkhorst, no DPS employees suffered serious injuries, though one was temporarily trapped in the building. It remains unclear how many injured were DPS employees or civilians. The investigation will be handled by the Texas Rangers.
About the Texas Department of Public Safety
The Texas DPS is one of the largest state law enforcement operations in the U.S., encompassing troopers involved in border security operations on the U.S.-Mexico border, the Texas Rangers – the state’s top criminal investigators, and offices across the state issuing driver’s licenses.
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