BRENHAM, TX – A violent incident unfolded at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in Brenham on Friday when a man, who had been denied a Commercial Drivers License, intentionally drove a stolen 18-wheeler into the building, injuring multiple people.
The crash, which occurred just after 10:40 a.m., resulted in at least 10 people being injured, including the suspect who is now in custody. The severity of the injuries varied, with three individuals in critical condition airlifted to nearby hospitals, including St. Joseph Regional Hospital in Bryan. Two others were in stable condition and transported by ambulance, while the remaining victims were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released, had been denied his Commercial Drivers License the day before the incident. Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough confirmed this information, indicating that the suspect returned on Friday with malicious intent.
In response to the incident, Texas Rangers have taken over the investigation. DPS officials have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat. They have also requested that drivers avoid the area to allow investigators and medical personnel to continue their work.
State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, who represents Brenham and Washington County, expressed her horror at the incident in a statement. She mentioned that she has been in contact with local officials, the Director of DPS, and the Lt. Governor’s office, and that all resources are being deployed to assist local first responders.
Washington County Precinct 3 Commissioner Kirk Hanath urged the public to keep the victims in their thoughts, noting that many of them had simply come to the office to get a driver’s license and had no intention of ending up in the hospital.