More than a dozen people were reportedly injured Friday after a commercial motor vehicle crashed into a Department of Public Safety office in Brenham, Texas.
Texas DPS said the crash occurred Friday morning when an 18-wheeler was being pursued by a law enforcement agency. The driver is in custody.
“We can confirm that the Texas Rangers are investigating this incident. A suspect has been arrested and there is no further threat to the community,” DPS officials said.
A Washington County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told Fox News that police are investigating reports that the truck was stolen in nearby Chappell Hill and the driver went to the DPS office on purpose because their commercial driver’s license was denied there on Thursday.
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A truck crashed into a Texas Department of Public Safety Office on Friday in Brenham, Texas. (KTRK)
In a Facebook post, Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough said he was briefed by authorities and that the “incident was intentional and done by the suspect who was denied a CDL (commercial driver license) yesterday. He returned today with intent to harm.”
At least 16 people are reported to be injured, with three in critical condition who were flown to Memorial Hermann Hospital with critical injuries, Fox Houston reported. Three others were taken to local hospitals in stable condition, said Texas state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst.
“We believe this is a criminal act,” County Sheriff Otto Hanak told reporters.
Brenham is a city between Austin and Houston.
Kolkhorst, who grew up in Brenham, said her office has been in contact with local authorities.
“According to law enforcement, this appears to be an intentional, criminal act and the Texas Rangers will be leading the investigation,” she said in a statement. “This deliberate, heinous act is a reminder of the dangerous work done by our law enforcement and licensing agencies that work to provide public safety and services.”
At least 16 people are reported to be injured following the incident in Brenham, Texas. (KTRK)
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“We believe this is a criminal act,” County Sheriff Otto Hanak told reporters.
Fox News’ Casey Stegall contributed to this report.
This is a developing story and will be updated.