One person has died and several others are injured after a man allegedly stole an 18-wheeler and crashed into a Texas Department of Public Safety office in Brenham on Friday, officials said.
In a news conference Friday afternoon, DPS Regional Director Gerald Brown identified the suspect as 42-year-old Clenard Parker.
Officials said Mr. Parker was being chased by a police officer when he crashed the truck into the DPS office located in the rural town of Brenham, about 75 miles west of Houston.
Mr. Brown said 14 people were injured in the incident. DPS has not released the name of the person who died at the hospital.
Texas Rangers are investigating the incident, and there is no further threat to the community, DPS officials said in a post on X.
Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough said in a Facebook post that the suspect intentionally crashed into the building after being denied a Commercial Drivers License.
“Pray for our Texas DPS as they’re experiencing a mass casualty incident in Brenham with a major vehicle accident at their office. No word on injuries at this time. Update: I have been briefed and this incident was intentional and done by the suspect who was denied a CDL yesterday. He returned today with intent to harm. Continued prayers for the DPS staff, troopers and civilians affected.”
Texas state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, who represents the area, issued a statement in a series of posts on X, saying that three people were airlifted with critical injuries and three others who were injured were transported to local hospitals.
“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,” she said. “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.”
She said this incident serves as a reminder of the dangers law enforcement officials face each day in the line of duty.
“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.”
Multiple news outlets showed images of a large, red tractor-trailer hauling material on a flatbed parked outside the building. The front of the vehicle was damaged and covered with debris, and a gaping hole in the building’s entrance could be seen.
“This is a tragic day for us,” said DPS Regional Director Gerald Brown during a press conference Friday afternoon. “My heart and prayers go out to the family members of those injured, as well as those that are injured.”
A DPS official told reporters that the suspect, who lives in nearby Chapell Hill, visited the driver’s license office on Thursday afternoon, where he was denied a commercial driver’s license.
“While he was there, the driver’s license staff advised Parker that he was not eligible to renew his commercial driver’s license,” the official said.
On Friday morning, police were pursuing the stolen 18-wheeler driven by the suspect when it took a “hard right turn and went into the DPS Brenham office.”
There were people in the driver’s license waiting area when the vehicle drove into the building, officials said. Police have not released the names and details of the person who died or those who were injured.
The suspect, who was not injured, was arrested at the scene.
“We will prosecute this person to the full extent of the law,” Texas state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst said during the news conference. “This will not be tolerated, not in my hometown, and not in our home state.”
Mr. Parker is facing multiple felony charges. He is being held at Washington County Jail, and his bond has not yet been set.
