In a shocking incident, a man driving a stolen 18-wheeler crashed into a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in Brenham, causing one fatality and leaving 13 others injured, including three who were hospitalized. The driver, identified as Clenard Parker, 42, of Chappell Hill, allegedly rammed the truck into the DPS office after evading sheriff's deputies who had spotted the stolen vehicle, as per DPS reports.

The incident took place on Friday, with Parker driving the truck out of the building and appearing ready to strike it again. However, police arrived on the scene just in time to prevent another collision. Eight injured individuals were treated at the location, while three were transported by ambulance to hospitals, all of whom were later discharged by Friday afternoon.

Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura expressed gratitude to the first responders for their prompt action, recognizing that the building could have collapsed if Parker had rammed the truck again, veering slightly to the left. Kenjura acknowledged that the injured individuals still in critical care were in their thoughts and praised the bravery of the first responders who risked their lives.

According to jail records, Parker is being held without bond at the county jail on charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle and evading arrest causing serious bodily injury to another person. The thwarted attacker had visited the same DPS office the day before, where he was informed that he was ineligible to renew his commercial driver's license.

State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, who represents Brenham, expressed her disbelief at the incident, highlighting the dangers faced by public servants in their line of work. Kolkhorst shared her personal connection to the DPS office, stating that she had obtained her own license there and even brought her children for their licenses as well. It serves as a reminder that even routine tasks like issuing driver's licenses can unexpectedly spiral into acts of violence.

The crash is currently under investigation by Texas Rangers, and more details are awaited.

The Texas Tribune extends its condolences to the victims and their families affected by this harrowing incident. The nonprofit news organization, supported financially by donations from members, foundations, and corporate sponsors, remains committed to delivering fact-based journalism to the people of Texas.