On Friday, a devastating incident unfolded in Brenham, Texas, as a stolen 18-wheeler commercial vehicle crashed into a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, resulting in one fatality and over a dozen injuries. The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that the tragic crash occurred around 11 a.m. local time when the driver of the stolen truck, identified as Clenard Parker, 42, was being pursued by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
According to officials, the driver made a sharp right turn, causing the truck to collide with the DPS office, which offers driver's license and motor vehicle services. This reckless act led to multiple injuries and the unfortunate death of one individual. Parker was apprehended at the scene following the crash.
It was revealed that Parker had visited the same DPS office the day before, where he was denied the renewal of his commercial driver's license due to ineligibility. The reasons behind the denial remain unclear. Following the crash, two individuals were airlifted to a hospital in Bryan, one person was life-flighted to Memorial Hermann in Houston, three were transported to a local hospital in Brenham, and eight received on-site medical treatment and were later released.
Authorities confirmed the tragic loss of one individual due to the injuries sustained in the crash. Parker is expected to face multiple charges, although specific details were not disclosed. His criminal history dates back to 1999 and includes charges such as criminal trespass, arson, and possession of prohibited weapons.
As a result of the incident, the DPS office has been temporarily closed, and individuals with appointments for driver's license services were advised to check the Texas DPS website for updates. State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, a Brenham native, expressed her office's cooperation with local authorities in response to the tragedy.
Senator Kolkhorst emphasized that law enforcement views this as an intentional criminal act, with the Texas Rangers leading the investigation. She highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement and licensing agencies in their mission to ensure public safety and provide essential services to the community.
