Truck Deliberately Crashes into Texas Government Building: One Dead, Several Injured

Officials said on Friday, a man stole an 18-wheeler truck and crashed into the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in Brenham, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries.

During a press conference on Friday afternoon, DPS Regional Director Gerald Brown confirmed the suspect as 42-year-old Clenard Parker.

Authorities stated that Parker’s truck rammed into the DPS office in the rural town of Brenham, located about 75 miles west of Houston, while he was being pursued by a police officer.

Brown mentioned that 14 individuals were injured in the incident. DPS has not released the name of the deceased person at the hospital.

In a post on X, DPS officials stated that the Texas Rangers are investigating the incident and assured the community that there is no further threat.

Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough posted on Facebook that the suspect intentionally crashed into the building after being denied a commercial driver’s license.

“Pray for our Texas DPS as they have experienced a mass casualty event in Brenham, encountering a major accident at their office. No word on the extent of injuries at this time. Update: I have learned that the incident was intentional and carried out by the suspect who was denied a commercial driver’s license yesterday and came back today with the intent to harm. Continued prayers for affected DPS staff, officers, and civilians,” he wrote.

Texas Senator Lois Kolkhorst, representing the area, issued a series of statements on X noting that three people sustained severe injuries and were airlifted to the hospital, while three others were taken to a local hospital with stable conditions.

“Today, my hometown Brenham witnessed a horrific tragedy as a driver of a stolen 18-wheeler crashed into the local Department of Public Safety (DPS) office,” she said. “Three critically injured have been airlifted to hospital. Three others were taken to a local hospital and are stable. I have been in touch with local officials and the DPS director and lieutenant governor’s office, deploying all resources to assist our local emergency personnel. DPS reports no staff were severely injured; one employee was trapped inside the office for some time.”

She highlighted that the incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face daily in the line of duty.

“According to law enforcement reports, this appears to be a deliberate criminal act, and the Texas Rangers will lead the investigation. This deliberate and heinous act reminds us of the dangerous work that law enforcement and licensing agencies do to provide public safety and service. At this moment, please join me in praying for the innocent victims and their families.”

Multiple news outlets shared images of a large red semi-truck parked outside the building. The vehicle sustained damage at the front, scattered with debris, and a large hole was visible at the building’s entrance.

“This is a tragic day for us,” DPS Regional Director Gerald Brown said during Friday’s press conference. “My heart goes out to the families of the injured and those who were hurt. I pray for them.”

A DPS official informed reporters that the suspect resides in nearby Chapell Hill and had gone to the driver’s license office on Thursday afternoon but was denied a commercial driver’s license.

The official stated, “While he was there, the driver’s license staff told Parker he was not eligible to renew his commercial driver’s license.”

On Friday morning, authorities pursued the stolen 18-wheeler truck driven by the suspect as it “made a right turn and entered the DPS Brenham office.”

Officials indicated that there were people in the driver’s license waiting area when the vehicle crashed into the building.

Police have not released the names or detailed information of the deceased or injured individuals.

The suspect was unharmed and taken into custody at the scene.

Texas Senator Lois Kolkhorst stated at a press conference, “We will prosecute this individual to the full extent of the law. This behavior is unacceptable, whether in my hometown or in our state.”

Parker faces multiple felony charges. He is being held at Washington County Jail, with bail yet to be determined.