BRENHAM, Texas – A tragic incident unfolded in Brenham, Texas, where a man stole an 18-wheeler and crashed it into a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, resulting in one fatality and injuries to 13 others, according to Texas DPS officials.
The perpetrator, identified as Clenard Parker, aged 42, took the stolen big rig from Chappell Hill, located about 15 minutes away from Brenham. After law enforcement spotted the stolen vehicle, Parker attempted to evade capture by driving westbound on Highway 290. Despite initial attempts to stop him, he eventually drove through the front door of the Texas DPS office on the southwest side of Brenham, where driver’s license services are offered.
Following the crash, 14 individuals inside the building sustained injuries, with three of them requiring airlifting to the hospital. Tragically, one person succumbed to their injuries. The quick response of first responders prevented further casualties, as Parker was apprehended before he could cause additional harm by trying to ram the building again.
Parker’s motive for the violent act was reportedly linked to his failed attempt to renew his Commercial Driver’s License at the same Texas DPS office the day before the incident. As the investigation unfolds, the Texas Rangers are leading a criminal inquiry into the matter, revealing that Parker is facing multiple felony charges.
Despite no injuries to the suspect himself, the violent nature of the incident has shocked the community. With Parker’s history of previous arrests, but no record of violent criminal cases, questions arise about the events leading to the destructive crash and its devastating consequences. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on the recovery of those impacted by the tragic event.