After Friday’s incident at the Brenham Department of Public Safety office, officials are looking into Clenard Parker’s role as the alleged driver of the stolen 18-wheeler.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Parker, 42, of Chappell Hill.
What happened?
The deadly incident took place around 10:30 a.m. at the office located at 975 Hwy 290 W.
Authorities said the suspect, was denied the license on Thursday. Law enforcement did not elaborate as to why Parker’s renewal was rejected.
On Friday, Parker was reportedly found to be driving a stolen 18-wheeler around Liberty County. Deputies noticed the truck and began to pursue Parker. At some point during the chase, Parker made a hard right turn, directly into the building. Officials said the 18-wheeler entered the building in the front lobby where customers were waiting, drove directly into the front office, and then put the truck in reverse.
Aftermath of the crash
One person was killed and 13 people were injured in the crash.
It was unclear Friday afternoon where the person who was killed was located at the time of the crash. Following the crash, two people were flown to a hospital in Bryan and another to Houston. Three people were transported to local hospitals but later released, and eight others were treated on the scene.
One employee in the building was trapped “for a period of time” after the crash but no one who worked at the driver’s license office suffered serious injuries, Republican state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst said.
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Suspect’s charges
Jail records showed Parker was being held without bond at the county jail on charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle and evading arrest that caused serious bodily injury to another person.
What local officials are saying
County Judge Mark Keough wrote on Twitter that he was told the situation was “intentional and done by the suspect who was denied a CDL yesterday. He returned today with intent to harm.”
Senator Kolkhorst released the following statement on this morning’s incident in Brenham:
“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. 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.
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.”
According to the Texas Tribune in thanking first responders for their speediness, Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura said the building could have collapsed had Parker rammed the truck through it again and veered slightly to the left, according to what the fire chief told him.
“Our prayers are with those who are still in critical care,” Kenjura said. “Thanks to our first responders. I can’t say enough for them — they put their life on the line.”
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The crash remains under investigation by Texas Rangers.