An incident involving a stolen 18-wheeler crashing into a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office has left one person dead and 13 others injured. The suspect, identified as Clenard Parker, 42, is facing several charges in connection with the tragic event.
According to online Washington County Jail records, Parker has been charged with evading arrest, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and multiple counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The crash occurred in Brenham, Texas, on Friday morning while Parker was being pursued by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Reports indicate that the truck driven by Parker made a sharp right turn and collided with the DPS office building, which offers driver's license and motor vehicle services. The impact resulted in injuries to multiple individuals and claimed the life of one person. Parker was apprehended at the scene following the crash.
Brenham, situated between Austin and Houston, was the location of the tragic incident that unfolded just a day after Parker's visit to the DPS office. During his visit, Parker was informed by the driver's license staff that he was ineligible to renew his commercial driver's license.
As a result of the crash, the Brenham DPS office has been temporarily closed to the public as the Texas Rangers conduct an investigation into the matter. State Senator Lois Kolkhorst condemned the act as an intentional act of violence against innocent citizens and government employees, vowing to pursue legal action against the perpetrator.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed condolences for the deceased victim, the injured individuals, and their families, urging the public to join in prayers for their well-being. Parker, whose bond has been set at $2 million, has a history of prior arrests dating back to 1999, including charges related to criminal trespass, arson, and prohibited weapons.