Local officials report that on Friday, a man crashed a stolen 18-wheeler into a Texas Department of Public Safety building, killing one and injuring thirteen. Clenard Parker, 42, of Chappell Hill, was identified as the driver of the stolen 18-wheeler, according to law enforcement officials at a press conference on Friday. He was taken into custody without any injuries.
Parker was running from pursuing deputies at the time of the crash and was reportedly denied his commercial driver’s license at the Brenham DPS office on Thursday afternoon, according to authorities. Gerald Brown, the regional supervisor for the department, stated during the press conference, “This is a tragic day for us.”. The families of the injured as well as the injured themselves have my sincere sympathies and prayers. “. According to authorities, Parker is charged with several felonies.
At the press conference, Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura called the incident “a really senseless tragedy.”. He continued by saying that it appeared the suspect was backing up with the intention of ramming the building once more. The mayor stated, “Our fire chief stated that there would have been a building collapse and many more injuries and possibly fatalities if he had veered a little bit to the left the second time.”. Texas Gov. According to a post on X, Greg Abbott and his spouse are “saddened to hear of the tragic incident at the Texas Department of Public Safety office in Brenham.”. Come pray with us for the Texan who went away, the injured, and their families. I appreciate the first responders’ prompt attention to this matter. Texas will prosecute this egregious offender. “. Washington County Sheriff Otto Hanak told CNN affiliate KHOU on Friday, “We believe this was a criminal act.”. “There is no further threat to the community,” the DPS declared upon Parker’s arrest. “. A semi with a flatbed trailer attached is seen carrying what appear to be rebar in aerial video from CNN affiliate KTRK. The vehicle’s cab has significant damage, and a sizable gap can be seen in front of the structure. North of Houston, Brenham is roughly 70 miles.
