Truck Crashes Into Texas Government Office
A large truck crashed into a government building in Texas Friday, stoking fears that it was an intentional attack. The incident appeared not to be linked to a wider political message or any known terrorist organization but could have been part of a personal dispute caused by the alleged driver of the truck.
Reports Friday indicated that one person was killed and more than a dozen injured after an 18-wheeler crashed into the Brenham, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) building.
The driver was allegedly denied a renewal of his commercial driver’s license the day prior. He was arrested following the crash and law enforcement said that there was no further threat to the community.
UPDATE: Man who drove truck into Texas DPS office was upset because his commercial driver's license was denied, judge says https://t.co/n9aXgoCdQJ
— BNO News (@BNONews) April 12, 2024
Law enforcement is investigating reports that the vehicle was stolen from a nearby community.
Montgomery County, Texas Judge Mark Keough said that the “incident was intentional and done by the suspect who was denied a CDL (commercial driver license) yesterday. He returned today with intent to harm.”
Montgomery County Sheriff Otto Hanak said that early indications were that the ramming was a “criminal act.”
Texas state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R) referred to law enforcement reports that “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,” she said.
Local press is reporting that no employees in the building were injured, but that a number of other individuals faced serious injury.
A Texas DPS office reported “multiple serious injuries.”
The crash appeared to occur around 11:00 a.m. local time.
Law enforcement recommended that the public stay away from the scene of the crash as they continue their investigation into the incident. The name of the suspect was released as Clenard Parker, aged 42.
Texas Rangers are joining with the state DPS and local law enforcement in the investigation.
