According to Sgt. Bryan Washko of the Texas Department of Public Safety, the rampage began on Interstate 14 in Belton, about 20 miles from Killeen, after reports came in about an erratic driver in a black pickup truck. Schultz eventually veered off onto the mall’s parking lot where chaos ensued.

Emergency medical services swiftly responded to transport four victims from the mall to nearby hospitals. Another victim made their way to a hospital separately. The ages of those injured ranged from 6 to 75 years old, and their conditions were not immediately known.

Washko described how Schultz plowed through the department store without hesitation, striking multiple people as he recklessly navigated through the building. Officers from various law enforcement agencies engaged in gunfire with Schultz inside the mall to neutralize the threat.

It was revealed that one officer involved in the exchange of gunfire was working as a security guard at the mall while others were off duty at the time. Eyewitnesses outside reported hearing multiple gunshots and witnessing terrified shoppers fleeing for safety amid the chaos.

The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly situations can escalate and turn deadly when faced with individuals who pose imminent danger to public safety.